President Donald Trump said an operation against Cuba could “possibly” resemble the U.S. raid that captured Nicolas Maduro, while pointing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s role in shaping the administration’s Cuba policy.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said Cuba’s leadership could face action similar to the U.S. operation that removed Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela, saying his administration’s approach to the island remains flexible.
Trump made the comments in a new interview, according to The Epoch Times, as his administration continues to expand pressure on Havana through sanctions, legal action and regional policy shifts.
Asked whether a possible Cuba operation could resemble the January raid that captured Maduro, Trump said, “Possibly. It’s possible.”
The Venezuela operation, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, used special forces to enter Maduro’s compound in Caracas. Maduro and his wife were captured and brought to the United States. A pro-U.S. leadership was later installed in Venezuela.
Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is involved in the administration’s Cuba policy.
“Marco’s doing a great job,” Trump said.
“Marco’s parents—it’s such a great story—his parents were from Cuba.”
Trump also contrasted the Venezuela operation with the military campaign against Iran, saying geography plays an important role in any potential action involving Cuba.
“These places are close by. Whereas if you look at Iran, that’s a very long trip,” Trump said.
“I flew to that area a few times and unrelated to this, but you’re flying for 18 hours, you’re flying for a long time. Venezuela is relatively close, and Cuba is a hopscotch.”
Trump said Cuba differs from Venezuela in one key respect: oil. He noted that Cuba lacks Venezuela’s energy resources but has other assets.
“Cuba has nice property, and a nice shoreline,” Trump said.
The comments were highlighted in an X post.
After Operation Absolute Resolve, oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba were restricted, worsening Cuba’s energy problems and contributing to widespread blackouts across the island.
The Trump administration has also increased sanctions on the Cuban regime and indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro on murder charges.
In addition to raising the possibility of a military operation, Trump has suggested what he described as a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, with Rubio playing a central role in the administration’s approach. That proposal was referenced in a separate X post.
The president’s remarks signal that Cuba remains a major focus of U.S. policy after the Venezuela operation reshaped regional politics. Trump framed the situation as one in which multiple options remain available, from sanctions and diplomatic pressure to more direct action.
The administration has not announced a specific military plan for Cuba based on the information provided, but Trump’s comments make clear that he is not ruling out a Venezuela-style operation if conditions change.
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