(DDM) — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Cuba, declaring that Havana will no longer receive oil or financial support unless it agrees to negotiate a deal with the United States, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Havana.
Trump delivered the warning in a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he stated that Cuba would receive “no more oil or money,” urging the country to “make a deal before it’s too late.”
According to the U.S. president, Cuba has for years depended heavily on subsidised Venezuelan oil and financial assistance, which he claimed were exchanged for security and intelligence support provided to the Venezuelan government under President Nicolás Maduro.
The ultimatum comes just days after a reported U.S. military action in Venezuela, signalling what analysts describe as a tougher and more confrontational posture by the Trump administration toward left-leaning governments in the region.
For decades, Venezuela has been a critical energy lifeline for Cuba, supplying a significant portion of the island’s crude oil needs. That support helped cushion Havana against the effects of longstanding U.S. sanctions and chronic economic challenges.
Trump did not specify the terms or conditions of the proposed deal, leaving uncertainty over what concessions Washington expects from Havana in exchange for renewed economic or energy engagement.
Cuban authorities have reacted angrily to the remarks, accusing the United States of intimidation and interference. Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, described the ultimatum as “criminal” and insisted that Cuba has the sovereign right to trade freely with international partners of its choosing.
Rodríguez rejected the U.S. portrayal of Cuba’s relationship with Venezuela, stating that economic cooperation between the two countries is legitimate and not subject to U.S. approval.
The dispute has further strained relations following the U.S. action in Venezuela, which Cuban officials reportedly regard as provocative and destabilising. Reports suggest that Cuban personnel may have been affected during the operation, further heightening diplomatic tensions.
Economic experts warn that any disruption to Venezuela’s oil supply could deepen Cuba’s existing energy crisis, which has already resulted in frequent power outages, fuel shortages, and disruptions to transportation and daily life across the island.
Despite mounting pressure, U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly indicate that while Cuba’s economy is under severe strain, the government remains stable, though sectors such as tourism and agriculture continue to suffer.
The latest warning underscores a broader shift in Washington’s policy toward socialist-aligned governments in Latin America and suggests that U.S.–Cuba relations may be heading into another period of heightened confrontation.
As both sides harden their positions, regional and international observers are closely monitoring developments, amid concerns that further escalation could worsen economic hardship and diplomatic isolation for Cuba.