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Trump Suggests “Friendly Takeover” of Cuba as Talks with Havana Continue

US president talks regime change approach framed around negotiation amid Cuba’s economic crisis and ongoing discussions led by Secretary of State Rubio

US President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba as his administration pursues high-level negotiations with Cuban officials, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward the long-standing adversary.

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for Texas, Trump described the Caribbean island as being in “big trouble” economically and indicated that ongoing dialogue with Havana could lead to a cooperative transition. “The Cuban government is talking with us,” Trump said, citing discussions he said were being led at a senior level. “They have no money, no anything right now, but they’re talking with us and maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba.”

The phrase “friendly takeover” of Cuba has emerged as a key term in Trump’s remarks, although the president has not offered detailed plans or formal definitions of what such a transition would entail. The concept appears to hinge on negotiation and incentives rather than direct military intervention, reflecting the administration’s attempt to combine pressure with engagement.

Trump acknowledged that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directly involved in the talks, describing them as being conducted “at a very high level” with Cuban leaders. Some reports note that U.S. officials may have had informal exchanges with figures connected to Cuba’s ruling establishment, although the Cuban government has publicly denied formal high-level talks.

The president’s comments come amid a severe economic crisis in Havana, worsened by the loss of Venezuelan oil support following the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power earlier this year. Analysts say Cuba’s energy shortages and lack of foreign reserves have intensified pressure on the regime, potentially making it more receptive to international engagement.

Cuba’s government has not explicitly confirmed substantive negotiations with Washington, though it has acknowledged communication between officials. The context has been further complicated by a recent deadly incident involving a Florida-registered speedboat that entered Cuban territorial waters and resulted in a gunfight with Cuban forces. Cuban authorities characterized the event as an attempted “armed terrorist infiltration,” underscoring volatile tensions between the nations.

Trump’s suggestion of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba appears to align with broader U.S. aims of encouraging political and economic change on the island without resorting to overt military action. While the exact mechanics of such a takeover remain undefined, the president’s remarks signal that regime change framed through diplomatic and economic means is part of the administration’s current strategy.

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