In a new interview with Fox News’ Trey Yingst, President Donald Trump discussed U.S. policy toward Cuba and indicated that developments were anticipated in the coming weeks.
“A lot of things are going to happen in Cuba over the next maybe two months, but I don’t see it being like Venezuela,” the president said.
When asked whether any action would be military in nature, Trump replied, “Venezuela has massive amounts of oil. We could do that with Cuba, it would not be hard for us to do.”
President Trump: A lot of things are going to happen in Cuba over the next maybe two months, but I don’t see it being like Venezuela.
Fox News: Militarily?
President Trump: Venezuela has massive amounts of oil. We could do that with Cuba, it would not be hard for us to do. pic.twitter.com/ElieDvyTza
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) July 16, 2026
The president’s remarks occurred against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s ongoing maximum pressure campaign on the Cuban government, which has included economic sanctions, restrictions on energy supplies, and diplomatic outreach. Trump did not detail specific measures or timelines beyond the two-month window but framed the situation as distinct from prior U.S. actions in Venezuela.
In prior months, Trump and officials have referenced Cuba in the context of broader regional policy following the January removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Since early 2026, the United States has implemented several measures targeting the Cuban government and economy. Following the change in Venezuela, the U.S. effectively restricted subsidized oil shipments to Cuba, which has caused massive fuel shortages on the island.
The situation escalated last month, when sanctions were imposed on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta Peraza, and Colonel Alejandro Castro Espín. Additional sanctions targeted the state-owned oil enterprise CUPET shortly thereafter.
In addition, federal charges were announced against longtime dictator Raul Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of civilian aircraft.
Diplomatic efforts have also continued. Back in May, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana and conveyed that the United States would engage seriously on economic and security issues only if Cuba made fundamental changes.
Discussions have covered intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and security matters. U.S. officials have stated that Cuba should not serve as a base for activities by adversaries in the Western Hemisphere.
