Trump Says He Wants to "Get Cuba Done" Before Leaving Office
President Donald Trump said Nov. 12 he would consider military force against Cuba. He said he wants the issue resolved before his term ends.
- Trump spoke with host Hugh Hewitt on the Salem News Channel.
- Asked about a weeklong campaign, Trump said, "I would certainly consider that, yes."
- Trump called Cuba a failed place and praised Rubio as "talented."
- January 2029 marks the end of Trump's term.
Why it matters: Cuba is in a severe economic and energy crisis. Sources tie it to a U.S. cutoff of subsidized Venezuelan oil.
- U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3.
- Raúl Castro was indicted on U.S. murder charges on May 20.
- In March, Trump said he expected the "honor" of "taking Cuba in some form."
How 8 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage divides on whether the goal is freeing Cubans from a failed government or a U.S. drive to take control of the island.
Left coverage, 4 sources: The left sees Trump's remarks as the latest step in an escalating push to take Cuba, with an invasion increasingly on the table.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right sees a president aiming to free Cuba from a failed communist government, backed by sanctions and pressure that are working.
What’s next: No military order has been announced. A person familiar with White House talks told Politico in May that military action was now on the table.
- Rubio declined to rule out an invasion in June congressional testimony.
- Would Congress be asked to authorize any military action against Cuba?
- What would "getting Cuba done" mean in practice: regime change, a deal, or occupation?
