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Trump Suggests 'Friendly Takeover' of Cuba

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 16:53 GMT by 7News Miami
      Locales: CUBA, UNITED STATES

MIAMI, FL - February 27, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump ignited a firestorm of debate today during a campaign rally in Florida, suggesting the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba. The remarks, delivered to a largely Cuban-American audience in South Florida, revived long-simmering tensions surrounding U.S.-Cuban relations and sparked immediate criticism and analysis.

"I had a lot of discussions with people in Cuba. I know people in Cuba," Trump stated, hinting at undisclosed back-channel communications. He characterized the current Cuban government as "corrupt" and asserted that a shift in power, executed as a "friendly takeover," would be surprisingly straightforward. "It could be a very, very smooth transition, and it could be very friendly," he added, offering no specifics regarding how such a transition would be achieved or who these "people in Cuba" are.

This isn't an isolated statement. Throughout his presidency (2017-2021), Trump adopted a markedly hawkish stance toward Havana. He reversed the Obama administration's efforts at normalization, reimposing significant economic sanctions and restricting travel to the island. These measures were largely driven by concerns over human rights abuses and the Cuban government's support for regimes hostile to U.S. interests. The restrictions heavily impacted the Cuban economy, particularly the tourism sector, and contributed to shortages of essential goods.

Current President Joe Biden has cautiously moved to ease some of those restrictions, restoring limited remittances and loosening travel regulations, particularly for Cuban-Americans wishing to visit family. However, a full restoration of diplomatic relations, severed in 1961, remains elusive. The Biden administration has prioritized a more nuanced approach, emphasizing engagement with civil society groups and advocating for greater political freedoms while maintaining some economic pressure.

Trump's latest pronouncements directly contrast with this approach. The phrase "friendly takeover" is particularly loaded, echoing historical U.S. interventions in Latin America and raising fears of renewed military involvement. Political analysts immediately noted the ambiguity of the term. Does it suggest support for a popular uprising, perhaps with tacit U.S. backing? Or does it imply more direct intervention, potentially involving military force - a scenario many fear could destabilize the region?

"The use of the term 'takeover' is deeply concerning, regardless of the 'friendly' qualifier," said Dr. Isabella Rodriguez, a Latin American policy expert at the University of Miami. "It harkens back to a history of U.S. interference in Cuban affairs, a history that has understandably bred distrust and resentment. Even suggesting such a possibility risks escalating tensions and undermining any progress made toward a more constructive dialogue."

The reaction within the Cuban-American community in South Florida is predictably mixed. While many share Trump's frustration with the Cuban government and its record on human rights, there is significant disagreement on the best path forward. Some hardliners support a more assertive stance, believing that only regime change can improve the lives of Cubans. Others advocate for continued engagement and economic assistance to empower the Cuban people.

The economic situation in Cuba remains precarious. The island nation is grappling with a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. sanctions, and internal mismanagement. Shortages of food, medicine, and fuel are widespread, and many Cubans are struggling to make ends meet. The recent loosening of some U.S. restrictions has offered a small measure of relief, but much more is needed.

Trump's comments come at a critical juncture. With Cuba facing mounting economic and social challenges, and the U.S. presidential election looming, the future of U.S.-Cuban relations is once again uncertain. The former president's rhetoric, while potentially appealing to a segment of the Cuban-American electorate, could further complicate efforts to find a peaceful and sustainable solution to the decades-old impasse. Observers are watching closely to see if Trump will elaborate on his vision for Cuba and the specifics of his proposed "friendly takeover." The implications for regional stability and the lives of millions of Cubans hang in the balance.