Trump Hints at 'Friendly Takeover' of Cuba

President says Cuba is 'talking with us' as island nation faces economic struggles.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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President Donald Trump on Friday raised the possibility of a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba, telling reporters that discussions are taking place at a 'very high level' with Cuban officials who are 'in a big deal of trouble' due to economic hardship on the island nation. Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is handling the discussions, but the White House did not provide additional details on what a 'friendly takeover' would entail.

Why it matters

Trump's comments represent a significant escalation in rhetoric regarding U.S.-Cuba relations, which have fluctuated in recent years amid sanctions, economic instability on the island, and broader geopolitical tensions in the region. The remarks come as Cuba faces ongoing economic hardship marked by fuel shortages, inflation, and limited access to foreign currency.

The details

Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House for a trip to Texas, Trump said Cuban officials are currently engaged in talks with the United States. 'The Cuban government is talking with us, and they're in a big deal of trouble,' Trump said. 'They have no money. They have no anything right now, but they're talking with us, and maybe we'll have a friendly takeover of Cuba.' Trump added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is handling the discussions, but the White House did not immediately provide additional clarification on what a 'friendly takeover' would entail or whether any formal proposal has been presented to Cuban officials.

  • On January 13, 2026, Trump made the remarks about a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba as he was departing the White House for a trip to Texas.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who served from 2017 to 2025.

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. Secretary of State who is handling discussions with Cuba according to President Trump.

Cuban Government

The government of Cuba, which Trump says is 'talking with us' and 'in a big deal of trouble' due to economic struggles on the island nation.

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What they’re saying

“The Cuban government is talking with us, and they're in a big deal of trouble. They have no money. They have no anything right now, but they're talking with us, and maybe we'll have a friendly takeover of Cuba.”

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

“Marco is dealing with it at a very high level.”

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

What’s next

It remains unclear if Trump's remarks signal a concrete diplomatic initiative or were rhetorical in nature, as the White House did not provide additional details on any formal proposal for a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba. The Cuban government has not yet responded publicly to Trump's comments.

The takeaway

Trump's hints at a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba represent a significant escalation in rhetoric regarding U.S.-Cuba relations, which have been strained in recent years. While the details remain unclear, the remarks come as Cuba faces ongoing economic struggles, raising questions about the potential for a shift in U.S. policy toward the island nation under the former president.