The key facts

  • Trump allowed for military action against Cuba before the end of his presidency
  • He called Cuba 'essentially a failed state'
  • The president praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents are from Cuba

Statement by the US President

US President Donald Trump said he wants to 'resolve the issue with Cuba' before leaving office. In an interview with Salem News Channel, he was asked whether he had authorized military action against the island nation before the end of his presidential term; Trump replied: 'I want to solve the Cuba question before I leave.' He added that he would 'definitely consider' the use of military force against Cuba.

Assessment of the situation and Rubio's role

According to Trump, the US is watching the situation in Cuba 'very closely': 'Things are going very badly there. It is, essentially, a failed state.' The president also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents are from Cuba, noting that he 'would be happy to do it.' 'I would like to do it for the people, for the Cubans who came here and were treated very badly, and they came to America,' Trump said.

What is known and what remains unclear

The statement was made in an interview format and was not accompanied by an announcement of any specific plan or decision: neither the timing, nor the nature of possible actions, nor official measures against Havana are disclosed in the president's words. The phrase 'would consider' merely indicates a willingness to consider an option, not a decision that has been made. No additional confirmations or comments from the US administration are provided in the available materials.