Trump Promises 'Deal or Whatever We Have to Do' with Cuba

President says he will address Cuba 'pretty quickly' as tensions with Iran continue

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:20pm

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President Trump told reporters on Sunday that he will soon make a deal with Cuba or 'do whatever we have to do,' as the U.S. continues to grapple with the ongoing war with Iran. Trump noted that a large group of Cuban and Venezuelan supporters were waiting for his motorcade, waving flags and showing their support for his Cuba policy.

Why it matters

Trump's comments signal a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba, which has been a contentious issue for decades. The president's remarks come as the Department of Justice prepares to charge Cuban leaders and the U.S. military continues operations in South America against narco-terrorists.

The details

Trump told reporters that 'Cuba's a failed nation' and that 'Cuba also wants to make a deal.' He said the U.S. will address Cuba 'before Iran,' indicating it is a priority. The president noted that a large group of supporters, many of them Cuban and Venezuelan, were waiting for his motorcade, waving flags and showing their support for his Cuba policy.

  • On Sunday, Trump made the comments to reporters on Air Force One.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is promising to take action on Cuba in the near future.

Marco Rubio

A U.S. Senator from Florida who Trump said he will put 'over there' to deal with Cuba.

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What they’re saying

“Cuba's a failed nation. Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon, either make a deal or do whatever we have to do.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (thegatewaypundit.com)

“People have been waiting 50 years to hear this story with Cuba, and when I left Palm Beach today, there were thousands of people in the road. I'm sure you saw them, and they were from Cuba and from Venezuela, all friendly, all friendly, waving the flag and waving the American flag.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (thegatewaypundit.com)

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

Trump's comments on Cuba signal a potential shift in U.S. policy, as the administration prepares to take action against the communist-ruled island nation. This move comes amid ongoing tensions with Iran and continued operations against narco-terrorists in South America, underscoring the administration's foreign policy priorities.