Cuban Americans in South Florida React to Possible 'Friendly Takeover' of Cuba

The Trump administration suggests a potential economic deal with Cuba as the island nation faces uncertainty.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The fate of Cuba remains uncertain as the Trump administration suggests a possible 'friendly takeover' of the island nation, alongside reports of a potential economic deal. Cuban Americans in South Florida express a mix of hope and skepticism about the future of Cuba.

Why it matters

The possibility of a free Cuba after 67 years of communist rule is a major topic in the Cuban exile community. The Trump administration's statements and potential economic deal with Cuba could have significant implications for the island nation and its relationship with the United States.

The details

The Trump administration has declared that the U.S. is actively pursuing change in Cuba, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the president believes the Cuban regime is 'bound to fall' due to the country's weak economic situation. Reports indicate the Trump administration is in talks with Cuba to create an economic deal that could ease sanctions. However, not all Cuban Americans support the alleged deal, with some calling for a more aggressive approach to remove the Castro regime.

  • On Monday, President Trump discussed Cuba's future while in Doral, Florida.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in talks with Cuba to avoid a military confrontation.

The players

Jose Torrenete

A Cuban American who is excited to see a free Cuba in his lifetime.

Vivian Herrera

A Cuban American who believes there is a lot of hope and change for Cuba.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who stated the president believes the Cuban regime is 'bound to fall'.

Dr. Andy Gomez

A professor of Cuban studies at the University of Miami who offered an assessment of the president's remarks.

Peter Uria

A Cuban American who believes it's time for a change after 67 years of 'misery and devastation' in Cuba.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really excited to see that we'll finally see a free Cuba in my lifetime.”

— Jose Torrenete (CBS News Miami)

“I think there is a lot of hope and change for Cuba.”

— Vivian Herrera (CBS News Miami)

“The president has made it quite clear it's his belief based on fact that the Cuban regime is bound to fall. The country is obviously in a very weak place economically speaking, the people are crying out for help, and the president believes, and knows that the Cuban regime wants a deal.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (CBS News Miami)

“That's just a play on words. They're not friendly part is we're gonna go get you or we're going to invade Cuba or we're going to bombard Cuba. None of that is going to happen.”

— Dr. Andy Gomez, Professor of Cuban Studies, University of Miami (CBS News Miami)

“It's been 67 years of misery and devastation to a beautiful country. It's time for a change.”

— Peter Uria (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in talks with Cuba to avoid a military confrontation. Much has yet to be said regarding the future of Cuba.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's statements and potential economic deal with Cuba have sparked a mix of hope and skepticism among Cuban Americans in South Florida. While some see the possibility of a free Cuba as a long-awaited change, others remain cautious about the administration's approach and call for more aggressive action to remove the Castro regime.