Trump Promises 'New Dawn' for Cuba, Vows US Help

Former president says change is coming 'very soon' for the island nation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:39am

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A solitary, weathered Cuban flag hanging limp in the warm, diagonal sunlight of a quiet, urban street corner, with deep shadows cast across the pavement, conceptually representing the uncertain future of U.S.-Cuba relations.The former president's remarks on Cuba's future suggest a renewed push for U.S. influence in the region, with potential implications for the island nation's fragile political and economic landscape.Today in Miami

In a speech in Phoenix, former President Donald Trump said that a 'new dawn' is coming for Cuba and that the U.S. will help the island nation. Trump linked the topic to recent U.S. operations against Iran, stating that the same strength will 'bring about a day 70 years in waiting' for Cuba.

Why it matters

Trump's comments on Cuba come as the island nation continues to face economic and political challenges. The former president has taken a hardline stance on Cuba in the past, and his remarks suggest he sees an opportunity to exert U.S. influence in the region, potentially escalating tensions between the two countries.

The details

During his speech, Trump said that change in Cuba will come 'very soon' and that the U.S. is going to 'help them out.' He also referenced the large Cuban American population in Miami, many of whom have been 'brutally treated' and had their families 'killed' and 'brutalized' under the Cuban regime.

  • Trump made the remarks on Friday, April 18, 2026, during a speech in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has taken a hardline stance on Cuba in the past.

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What they’re saying

“'And very soon, this great strength will also bring about a day 70 years in waiting. It's called A New Dawn for Cuba.'”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“'We're going to help them out with Cuba.'”

— Donald Trump, Former President

The takeaway

Trump's comments on Cuba suggest he sees an opportunity to reassert U.S. influence in the region, potentially escalating tensions between the two countries and raising concerns about the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.