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Trump Eyes Cuba Amid Crisis and Intensifying Protests

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump says he expects to have the honor of taking Cuba amid a power crisis caused by a U.S. oil blockade.
He spoke from the Oval Office and said he could do anything with Cuba, calling the island a 'weakened nation'.
Negotiations with Cuban officials aim to remove President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Cuba has blackouts affecting millions after three months without oil shipments, and protests have intensified.

History

Historical Context

The Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 marked a critical juncture in U.S.-Cuba relations, as the U.S. discovered Soviet nuclear missiles on the island. Following the crisis, President John F. Kennedy's naval blockade and subsequent negotiations led to the dismantling of these missiles, but U.S. sanctions severely impacted Cuba's economy. Today, Cuba faces energy shortages, echoing the long-term effects of this Cold War confrontation.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump says he expects to have the honor of taking Cuba amid a power crisis caused by a U.S. oil blockade.
He spoke from the Oval Office and said he could do anything with Cuba, calling the island a 'weakened nation'.
Negotiations with Cuban officials aim to remove President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Cuba has blackouts affecting millions after three months without oil shipments, and protests have intensified.

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