Trump says US would “take” Cuba, calls it a “great hour” – SABC News

United States President Donald Trump has suggested that he would “take” the island nation of Cuba, adding that it would be a great hour.
Trump was responding to media questions in the Oval Office amid an ongoing US oil blockage that has imperilled Cuba’s already battered economy and affected communications, the healthcare system and transportation, among others.
The New York Times reports that the Trump administration was seeking to push President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power, citing four unnamed sources, but that the US is leaving the next steps to Cubans.
Trump, interacting with a journalist, appeared emboldened after also taking military action against Venezuela and Iran in recent months, in violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Cuba is experiencing a blackout on the entire island due to continued energy crisis amid continued U.S. oil embargo (as talks are said to be ongoing between Havana and Washington)
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) March 16, 2026

Trump told reporters, “Can tell you that they’re talking to us. It’s a failed nation. They have no money. They have no oil. They have no nothing. They have nice land. They have nice landscape, you know? It’s a beautiful island. But I think Cubans…You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it? I do believe I’ll be the honour of, having the honour of taking Cuba. That would be, that’s it’s a big honour.
Journalist asks: “Taking Cuba?”
Trump replies: “Taking Cuba in some form. I mean, whether I free it, take it. Think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth. They’re a very weakened nation, right now.”

From NYTIMES:Trump Administration Said to Tell Cuba That Its President Has to Go
The United States has told Cuba that for meaningful progress to be made in negotiations, President Miguel Díaz-Canel must step down, said people familiar with the talks.
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) March 17, 2026

www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/trump-says-us-would-take-cuba-calls-it-a-great-hour/