Trump’s decisive action against the Maduro regime has Cuba’s communist government scrambling as their primary economic lifeline gets severed, forcing Havana to confront an ultimatum that could reshape the Western Hemisphere.
Story Highlights
- Trump declares that zero Venezuelan oil and money will reach Cuba after Maduro’s capture
- U.S. military operation successfully ousted Maduro, with 32 Cuban security personnel killed
- Cuba faces an immediate economic crisis as its primary income source has been eliminated
- Trump warns Cuba to “make a deal” before facing severe consequences
Trump Delivers Ultimatum After Venezuela Operation
President Trump issued a stark warning to Cuba’s communist regime following the successful U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Trump declared “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”
The ultimatum came as the U.S. assumed control of Venezuela’s oil sector, cutting off Cuba’s primary economic lifeline that sustained the island’s communist government for decades.
Trump tells Cuba to 'make a deal, before it is too late' https://t.co/zINhOUhhdu
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 11, 2026
Cuba’s Economic Foundation Crumbles
Cuba’s economy faces immediate collapse as Venezuelan oil subsidies cease flowing to Havana. For over two decades, Venezuela provided Cuba with heavily subsidized petroleum in exchange for medical personnel and intelligence support.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that “Cuba looks like it’s ready to fall” because “they got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They’re not getting any of it.” This economic strangulation represents the most effective pressure campaign against Cuba’s regime since the Cold War.
Military Operation Eliminates Maduro’s Protection
The U.S. operation that captured Maduro resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban security personnel embedded within the Venezuelan leader’s protection detail. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the strikes as “terrorist acts” while Trump announced the U.S. is now “in charge” of Venezuela.
The operation effectively eliminated Cuba’s strongest regional ally and military partner, leaving Havana diplomatically isolated and economically vulnerable to American pressure.
Strategic Victory Reshapes Regional Power
Trump’s control over Venezuelan oil represents a strategic masterstroke that eliminates Iranian and Cuban influence in the Western Hemisphere while securing American energy interests.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined objectives including ending drug trafficking routes, halting gang flows, and ensuring Venezuelan oil benefits the Venezuelan people rather than America’s adversaries. This decisive action demonstrates how American military strength can restore regional stability and protect constitutional principles of sovereignty from socialist corruption.
