Trump says Cuba is “next.” What does that mean?
President Donald Trump has suggested that Cuba could be the next target of his administration’s foreign policy after actions in Venezuela and Iran, though the exact nature of the plan remains unclear. The U.S. has intensified economic pressure on Cuba by restricting oil imports, contributing to severe power outages and economic hardship on the island, while the Pentagon considers military options. Despite aggressive rhetoric, diplomatic talks have resumed, with a U.S. delegation visiting Havana and presenting demands related to political and economic reforms.
- ▪President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Cuba may be 'next' following U.S. actions in Venezuela and Iran.
- ▪The U.S. escalated its 'maximum pressure' campaign against Cuba in January 2026 by cutting off Venezuelan oil supplies and threatening tariffs on other oil suppliers.
- ▪The Pentagon is preparing military options for Cuba, prompting Senate Democrats to propose legislation blocking unauthorized military action.
- ▪A U.S. State Department delegation visited Havana in April 2026, the first official U.S. government aircraft landing since the Obama-era rapprochement.
- ▪The U.S. demands include economic reforms, release of political prisoners, compensation for seized properties, and allowing Starlink internet access in Cuba.
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PoliticsTrump says Cuba is “next.” What does that mean?The island may be next in the administration’s crosshairs after Venezuela and Iran. But it’s not clear what the plan is.by Joshua KeatingMay 1, 2026, 10:30 AM UTCShareGiftPeople on a motorbike watch a damaged car being towed by a tow truck, with a mural in the background depicting the US embargo on Cuba, on a street in Havana on April 28, 2026. Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty ImagesJoshua Keating is a senior correspondent at Vox covering foreign policy and world news with a focus on the future of international conflict.
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