Trump emphasized that Cuba provided "security services" to previous Venezuelan leaders, but this support is now coming to an end. According to him, Venezuela no longer needs the protection of "thugs and extortionists" who have held it hostage for a long time, as its security will now be ensured by the American army.
“Neither oil nor money will flow to Cuba anymore — zero! I recommend they make a deal before it’s too late,” Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform.
In response, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country has never received financial or material resources in exchange for security services. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla noted that unlike the U.S., the country does not engage in mercenarism and blackmail, adding that "justice and fairness are on Cuba's side," while the actions of the U.S. are "criminal" and threaten peace.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that for 66 years the country has been subjected to aggression from the U.S. He emphasized that Cuba remains a free, independent, and sovereign state, not subject to external directives. “Cuba does not attack other countries, but for 66 years it has suffered from U.S. attacks. We are ready to defend our homeland to the last drop of blood,” Díaz-Canel wrote on the social network X.
After the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in early January, Trump also issued threats against Cuba, claiming that its situation is "extremely dire," and accused the Colombian president of drug production. He later reiterated that Cuba "is hanging by a thread" and is "in great trouble." Cuban authorities reported 32 Cubans killed during the U.S. operation in Caracas, whom they identified as members of the armed forces and intelligence.
