Donald Trump Says US Will Take Over Cuba ‘Almost Immediately’
President Donald Trump stated during a Florida event that the United States would take over Cuba 'almost immediately,' following the signing of an executive order expanding sanctions on the island. He suggested a U.S. aircraft carrier, such as the USS Abraham Lincoln, could be deployed near Cuba after operations in Iran. The remarks, which were not clarified as serious or rhetorical, coincided with heightened economic pressure but no announced military plans.
- ▪President Donald Trump made the comments during an event at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches on May 1, 2026.
- ▪Trump signed an executive order the same day, significantly expanding U.S. sanctions on Cuban government entities and affiliated industries.
- ▪The sanctions include asset freezes, transaction bans, travel restrictions, and authorize penalties against foreign companies doing business with sanctioned Cuban entities.
- ▪Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the sanctions as 'coercive' and a form of collective punishment.
- ▪The White House described the Cuban government as an 'unusual and extraordinary threat' due to alleged repression and ties with Iran and Hezbollah.
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By Sam StevensonAssociate News EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.President Donald Trump said Friday during remarks in Florida that the United States would take over Cuba “almost immediately,” suggesting an aircraft carrier could be positioned offshore after the conflict in Iran.The comments came the same day Trump signed an executive order significantly expanding U.S. sanctions on the Cuban government and its affiliates.Cuba’s government, foreign companies doing business on the island and U.S.
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