Trump Warns Cuba: Cut Ties or Face No Venezuelan Oil and Money
January 12, 2026
Donald Trump has ordered Cuba to "make a deal" or face consequences after stopping Venezuelan oil and money payments to the island. Cuba, a key ally of Venezuela, depends heavily on its oil supplies. Trump posted on Truth Social: "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!" He warned they should act "BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." No details on the deal were given.
Since last week’s US raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, no Venezuelan oil has reached Cuba. The raid killed dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel. Trump said Cuba is "ready to fall" due to its economic crisis and loss of cheap Venezuelan oil.
He also shared a message suggesting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has Cuban roots, could be the next president, adding: "Sounds good to me!"
Trump accused Cuba of relying for years on Venezuelan oil and money while providing "Security Services" for Venezuela’s past dictators, which he says stopped after last week’s US attack. He claimed many Cubans involved are now dead.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned the US, calling its behavior "criminal," and said Cuba has the right to import fuel from any country.
Some US Republican lawmakers praised Trump's firm stance. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart said Havana’s decades-long regime may be ending.
Meanwhile, Caracas and Washington are negotiating a $2 billion deal for Venezuela to supply oil to the US, with funds held under US Treasury supervision.
The US State Department has warned American citizens to leave Venezuela immediately amid reports that armed pro-government militias are targeting US supporters. The alert urged caution as some flights have resumed.
Venezuelan officials dismissed these warnings as fabricated, saying the country is calm and its security systems are working normally.
Trump expressed interest in visiting Venezuela once it becomes safe, highlighting ongoing shifts in the region after last weekend’s raid. The situation remains tense, with security alerts and political moves unfolding rapidly.
Read More at Theguardian →
Tags:
Donald trump
Cuba
Venezuela
Oil Blockade
Us foreign policy
Security alert
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