Officials say Washington and Havana are discussing a possible agreement that could expand travel and economic cooperation between the United States and Cuba.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Trump administration is preparing a potential economic agreement with Cuba that could signal a major shift in relations between Washington and Havana, according to a report by USA Today citing sources familiar with the discussions.
Two individuals with knowledge of the administration’s planning told the newspaper that officials are nearing a possible announcement regarding a deal with the Cuban government, though the timing and details of the agreement have not been finalized.
The proposed arrangement could include easing certain restrictions on Americans traveling to Havana and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
If finalized, the move would represent an unexpected development in U.S. strategy toward the communist island.
Following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and the disruption of oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba, some analysts had expected Washington to intensify pressure on Havana in pursuit of regime change. Instead, officials appear to be examining a strategy centered on economic leverage and negotiated concessions.
According to the report, ongoing discussions have included the possibility of economic partnerships involving ports, energy development and tourism.
Officials have also considered lifting certain sanctions on Cuba as part of a broader agreement designed to expand commercial engagement between the countries.
Another component reportedly under review involves a potential political arrangement allowing Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and members of the Castro family to remain on the island during a transition toward closer economic ties with the United States.
The administration is also weighing whether to relax travel restrictions for Americans visiting Havana, a policy change that could be implemented through executive authority without congressional approval.
Such measures could stimulate tourism and investment in Cuba while opening additional opportunities for American businesses.
President Donald Trump has publicly indicated that negotiations may be underway.
Speaking to Latin American leaders at the Shield of the Americas Summit in Florida, Trump suggested that Cuba’s economic difficulties have increased its willingness to negotiate.
“Cuba’s at the end of the line. They have no money. They have no oil,” Trump said during the gathering.
The president also confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been engaged in discussions with Cuban officials.
“They want to make a deal so badly,” Trump said, adding that he believes an agreement could be reached quickly.
The White House declined to provide further details and directed inquiries to the president’s public comments.
The potential agreement would mark another significant chapter in the long and complex relationship between the United States and Cuba.
During the presidency of Barack Obama, Washington moved toward normalizing relations with Havana by easing travel and trade restrictions and restoring diplomatic ties after decades of hostility.
Trump reversed several of those policies during his first term, reinstating stricter limitations on travel and commercial activity involving the island.
However, individuals familiar with the current negotiations told USA Today that the administration’s approach now differs from the earlier normalization effort.
Officials believe Washington has gained leverage following recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and through a broader effort to expand American influence across the Western Hemisphere.
In recent days, the administration has also increased pressure on Cuban leadership, including warnings that U.S. authorities could pursue indictments against members of the Cuban government.
Behind the scenes, negotiations are believed to be unfolding through a series of quiet diplomatic contacts.
According to reports, Rubio and members of his team have been involved in back-channel discussions with Raulito Castro, a grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro who is believed to maintain close ties to his grandfather.
The White House has not confirmed those contacts, though officials have not publicly denied that discussions are occurring.
Trump has also hinted that travel between the United States and Cuba could soon become easier.
During a White House event last week, he told Jorge Mas — the owner of Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF and the son of Cuban immigrants — that he might soon be able to travel to the island without seeking special authorization.
“You won’t need my approval,” Trump joked. “You just fly back in.”
The negotiations come as the administration seeks to reshape political dynamics across Latin America.
Trump framed the situation as part of a broader regional shift following recent political developments in Venezuela.
“As we achieve a historic transformation in Venezuela, we’re also looking forward to the great change that will soon be coming to Cuba,” Trump said during the summit.
He also told leaders from across the region that several had privately urged him to address the situation on the island.
“Four of you said, actually, ‘Could you do us a favor? Take care of Cuba,’” Trump said.
Despite the administration’s optimism, some former U.S. officials who previously worked on Cuba policy have questioned how close the two governments are to finalizing an agreement.
Analysts say several key issues remain unresolved, including what concessions the United States might demand in exchange for easing sanctions or expanding economic cooperation.
Trump has also indicated that other foreign policy priorities could affect the timing of any announcement.
The president recently said that the administration intends to focus first on concluding the military campaign involving Iran before turning its full attention to negotiations with Cuba.
“Our focus right now is on Iran,” Trump said. “Maybe Marco takes an hour off, and then he’ll finish up a deal on Cuba.”
If finalized, the agreement could represent one of the most consequential shifts in U.S.–Cuba relations in decades and could significantly reshape the island’s economic trajectory.