President Trump Floats Potential "Friendly Takeover" of Cuba as Secretary Rubio Leads High-Stakes Negotiations With Havana

President Trump suggests a "friendly takeover" of Cuba as Secretary Marco Rubio leads talks for an economic deal to end the island's humanitarian collapse.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 7:20 PM EDT

Economic Asphyxiation and the Takeover Ultimatum

President Donald Trump characterized the current state of the Cuban government as being down to its last "fumes" during a press conference in Florida on Monday. Citing a total lack of energy and financial resources, the President suggested that a "friendly takeover" by the United States is becoming an increasingly viable path toward stabilizing the island. Trump asserted that the U.S. has successfully isolated Cuba from the global economy, leaving the leadership in Havana with the choice of either accepting a Washington-brokered deal or facing a more aggressive, "unfriendly" intervention. This rhetoric follows a series of executive actions designed to starve the communist regime of its remaining revenue streams, specifically targeting oil shipments and international medical missions.

Marco Rubio Leads Secret High-Level Negotiations

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly at the center of the administration's strategy, conducting high-level discussions aimed at securing a transition of power or a significant opening of the Cuban economy. Reports indicate that Rubio has been in contact with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former leader Raúl Castro, to discuss a potential "political exit strategy" for the current leadership. According to White House sources, the administration is seeking an agreement that would allow the current ruling class a safe departure or continued residency in exchange for a total liberalization of the island’s private sector. This diplomatic push is intended to reframe regime change as a strategic business deal that prioritizes American commercial interests over an all-out military confrontation.

The Impact of the Regional Oil Blockade

The humanitarian situation in Cuba has reached a point of near-total collapse following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January, which abruptly ended Cuba's primary source of subsidized petroleum. In response, President Trump signed Executive Order 14380, declaring a national emergency and threatening massive tariffs against any nation—including Mexico—that continues to provide oil to Havana. This "effective blockade" has resulted in daily power outages lasting up to 18 hours and a complete cancellation of domestic airline routes. By cutting off the island's energy supply, the administration has succe...