U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday expanded his rhetoric toward Cuba, saying he expects the United States to have the honor of accepting the island in some form even as it engages in talks with Havana.
“I believe I will have the honor of taking Cuba. That would be a great honor. Taking Cuba in some form,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“I mean, give it to me or take it. Think I can do whatever I want with it. You want to know the truth,” the president added.
The remarks come as the United States and Cuba have begun discussions to ease strained relations amid growing pressure on Cuba amid a deepening economic crisis.
President Trump has hinted at broad authority over U.S. actions toward Cuba, raising concerns about the direction of U.S. policy. “I mean, take it or take it. I think I can do whatever I want with it. You want to know the truth,” he said.
He added earlier that while Washington was in talks with Havana, other priorities remained. “We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.
According to a report from ReutersNegotiations between the two countries are underway amid reports that the United States is seeking a leadership change in Cuba.
new york times Removing Cuban President Miguel Daz Canel is the main US goal in the talks, but the next steps are left up to Cuban authorities, the report said. Cuba has historically rejected foreign interference in its internal affairs and has deemed such proposals unacceptable.
Cuba’s economic crisis deepens
Trump’s comments come as Cuba faces its worst economic crisis in decades, exacerbated by oil supply disruptions and widespread power shortages. The country suffered nationwide power outages on Monday after the power grid collapsed, leaving millions without power.
Officials said only limited electricity had been restored in parts of Havana, with essential services such as hospitals and communications being prioritized.
Relations between Washington and Havana have remained tense for decades, dating back to the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.
Although successive U.S. administrations have opposed Cuba’s communist government, Washington has maintained a long-standing commitment not to invade Cuba under agreements reached during the crisis.
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