Sun Jan 11 15:29:26 UTC 2026: ### Trump Warns Cuba as Venezuelan Oil Lifeline Dries Up

The Story:
On January 11, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly pressured Cuba to negotiate a deal with Washington, threatening the island nation with the complete cessation of oil and financial support from Venezuela. This warning follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces and the subsequent agreement with interim President Delcy Rodriguez to redirect Venezuelan oil to the United States. Trump asserted that Cuba had long relied on Venezuelan resources and suggested the island nation was on the verge of collapse.

Key Points:

  • January 11, 2026: President Trump warned Cuba of the impending loss of Venezuelan oil and money.
  • Venezuela previously supplied Cuba with an average of 27,000 barrels per day between January and November of the previous year, covering approximately 50% of Cuba’s oil deficit.
  • The U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has led to a shift in Venezuelan oil policy under interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
  • U.S. intelligence assesses that Cuba’s economy faces significant challenges, including strained agriculture and tourism sectors, frequent blackouts, and trade sanctions.
  • Trump’s statements about Cuba potentially falling were reportedly not fully supported by U.S. intelligence assessments.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context reveals a proactive strategy by the Trump administration to exert control over Venezuela and pressure Cuba. The capture of Maduro, the cooperation of Rodriguez, and the explicit leveraging of oil supplies demonstrate a deliberate policy aimed at isolating Cuba economically and politically. The appointment of Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump advisor, as President of Meta and Trump’s willingness to meet with Venezuelan opposition leaders further supports a multi-pronged approach to shaping the geopolitical landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. is actively using Venezuela’s oil resources as a tool to exert pressure on Cuba.
  • The removal of Nicolas Maduro marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy in the region.
  • Cuba’s economic vulnerability, exacerbated by trade sanctions and the loss of Venezuelan oil, is a major point of leverage for the U.S.
  • Trump’s administration is actively engaging with new leadership in Venezuela and is planning further action.

Impact Analysis:

The potential loss of Venezuelan oil has potentially devastating consequences for Cuba. Without alternative energy sources, the island nation will likely experience further economic hardship and political instability. The impact extends beyond Cuba, potentially reshaping the balance of power in Latin America. The U.S. action could lead to increased migration flows, requiring the United States and other countries to address potential humanitarian challenges. The success of this strategy could embolden the U.S. to employ similar tactics in other regions where it seeks to exert influence.

Read More

Related News: