Former U.S. President Donald Trump has left the possibility of military intervention in Cuba on the table, reigniting debate over Washington’s strategic posture in the region. During an interview on The Axios Show, Trump was asked by journalist Marc Caputo whether a U.S. operation in Cuba could unfold similarly to the one reportedly carried out in Venezuela. Trump responded plainly: “Possibly. It’s possible.” His remarks signaled that Cuba remains within the U.S. administration’s strategic calculus.
Cuba Compared to Venezuela — and Iran
Trump went on to compare Cuba to both Venezuela and Iran, emphasizing geographic proximity as a key factor. He noted that Cuba is far closer to the United States than Iran—calling it “a breath away”—while referencing an 18-hour flight to the Middle East. In contrast, he described Venezuela as “relatively close” and highlighted its oil resources, whereas Cuba, he said, offers “nice property and a nice shoreline.”
He also characterized Venezuela as “a very military state,” claiming U.S. operations there lasted just 48 minutes—a remark that appears disconnected from publicly documented events and lacks verifiable context. Trump added that Venezuela has “many soldiers, many good soldiers,” though no such military operation has been officially confirmed or acknowledged by the U.S. government.
No Commitment to Peaceful Transition—But No Explicit Threat Either
While Trump reiterated his stated preference for a peaceful transition of power in Cuba, he stopped short of ruling out other options. According to Axios, U.S. intelligence and security agencies are actively monitoring developments on the island. Trump emphasized he remains “flexible” on timing for any potential action.
He also confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who is the son of Cuban exiles—is “actively involved” in related discussions, underscoring the personal and political weight the Cuba issue carries within the administration.