Sun Jan 11 16:51:53 UTC 2026: # Trump Escalates Pressure on Cuba After Maduro’s Capture

The Story:

In a series of posts on his Truth Social channel on January 11, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Cuba, threatening to cut off the flow of Venezuelan oil and money. This announcement comes a week after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, resulting in the deaths of numerous Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel. Trump also reposted a message suggesting that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could become the President of Cuba, further escalating tensions.

Key Points:

  • President Trump warned Cuba that it faces “unspecified consequences” if it doesn’t “make a deal” with the U.S.
  • Trump declared that “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!”
  • Trump’s remarks followed the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and the death of Cuban security forces in Caracas.
  • Trump reposted a message suggesting Marco Rubio as a potential leader for a post-communist Cuba.
  • Cuba has relied on Venezuelan oil since 2000 as part of a deal with Hugo Chavez.

Critical Analysis:

The recent events paint a clear picture of a coordinated effort by the Trump administration to destabilize Cuba and Venezuela. The appointment of Marco Rubio, with his personal history and deep understanding of the region, to a key foreign policy position, coupled with the military operation to seize Maduro, suggests a carefully planned strategy to exert maximum pressure on both nations. Trump’s overt threats and suggestive support for Rubio’s potential leadership in Cuba are not mere rhetoric but signal a desire for regime change.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. under President Trump is taking aggressive action against Cuba and Venezuela.
  • The capture of Maduro represents a significant escalation in U.S. foreign policy in the region.
  • Marco Rubio plays a central role in shaping U.S. policy towards Venezuela and Cuba.
  • Trump’s rhetoric suggests a willingness to intervene directly in Cuban affairs.
  • The future of Cuba and Venezuela is uncertain, but they face immense pressure from the U.S.

Impact Analysis:

The consequences of these actions are far-reaching. Cutting off Venezuelan oil will have a devastating impact on Cuba’s economy, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability. The appointment of Marco Rubio and his influence on Trump’s foreign policy team mean these hardline policies will likely continue. Furthermore, the capture of Maduro could trigger a power vacuum in Venezuela, potentially leading to a protracted civil conflict. The international community will likely condemn the U.S.’s interventionist policies, straining relations with key allies. The long-term impact will depend on how Cuba and Venezuela respond to these pressures, but the region is undoubtedly entering a period of heightened instability and uncertainty.

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