Trump says he would consider military force against Cuba
Donald Trump said he wanted to change Cuba’s government before his presidential term ends in 2029 and would consider military force. The remarks came in a telephone interview with Hugh Hewitt on November 12. Washington has already imposed sanctions and pressure on the island’s fuel supplies; the interview contained no announcement of an authorised military operation.
Geopolitics··Midday
Trump keeps force among his options
US President Donald Trump said he would consider military force against Cuba and wanted to resolve the issue before leaving office. He made the remarks during a telephone interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt on November 12.[1], [2]
Hewitt asked about military intervention to change Cuba’s government. Trump’s current term ends in 2029. The exchange contained no announcement of an authorised operation, a troop deployment or an approved starting date for a campaign.[1]
Rubio features in the president’s remarks
Trump also mentioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose family came from Cuba, and suggested that he would have a role. The president portrayed the island as a failed country. That characterisation was Trump’s political assessment. His willingness to discuss force came in response to the interviewer’s proposed military option.[1]
Fuel restrictions form the backdrop
Washington’s pressure campaign has included an oil blockade imposed in January and tariff threats against countries supplying Cuba with fuel. Cuban officials describe American pressure as collective punishment. Sanctions announced this month targeted people and organisations linked to Cuba’s government. Those measures form the backdrop to Trump’s latest remarks about pursuing a change of government before his term ends.[1]
