Trump Renews Threat of 'Friendly Takeover' of Cuba as Fuel Crisis Deepens

U.S. President says Cuba is 'in deep trouble' as it grapples with worsening economic crisis.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his threat of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, saying the communist-run Caribbean island is in "deep trouble" as it grapples with a worsening economic crisis and fuel shortages. Trump's latest comments come less than a week after he suggested his administration would turn its sights on Havana after U.S. military operations in Iran ended.

Why it matters

The Trump administration has sought to increase pressure on Cuba since the January military operation to depose Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a long-time ally of Cuba's government. The U.S. has effectively cut Havana off from Venezuelan oil, called its government "an unusual and extraordinary threat," and pledged to impose tariffs on any country that supplies it with oil.

The details

Speaking at a news conference in Doral, Florida, Trump said on Monday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was dealing with Cuba's leadership as the country grapples with a worsening economic crisis. "It may be a friendly takeover. It may not be a friendly takeover. It wouldn't matter because they are down to, as they say, fumes," Trump said. "They have no energy. They have no money. They are in deep trouble on a humanitarian basis and we don't want to see that."

  • On January 3, the U.S. launched a military operation to depose Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
  • Less than a week ago, Trump suggested his administration would turn its sights on Havana after the Iran operations ended.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State.

Nicolás Maduro

The President of Venezuela, a long-time ally of Cuba's government.

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What they’re saying

“It may be a friendly takeover. It may not be a friendly takeover. It wouldn't matter because they are down to, as they say, fumes.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (CNBC)

“Cuba's next.”

— Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator (Fox News)

“After Iran's regime is toppled, Cuba's going to fall, too.”

— Donald Trump (Politico)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.