President Trump said the U.S. has "started to talk to Cuba" while traveling on Air Force One, as his administration tightens pressure by restricting oil supplies. He cited recent steps to halt shipments from Venezuela and to press Mexico, and an executive order allowing tariffs on nations that supply Cuba with oil. Trump offered no details about the talks but suggested the measures are intended to force negotiations and predicted the Cuban government could be weakened.
Trump Says U.S. Has 'Started to Talk to Cuba' as Oil Supplies Are Cut, Sparking Humanitarian Worries
President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Saturday night that the United States has "started to talk to Cuba" as his administration increases pressure on the communist-run island by restricting key oil supplies.
The remark came as Mr. Trump flew to Florida and followed recent U.S. actions that have halted shipments of oil to Cuba from Venezuela and increased pressure on Mexico for continuing supplies. The president framed those measures as leverage to bring Havana to the negotiating table.
Mr. Trump provided no specifics about the scope, timing, or participants in the outreach. "We're starting to talk to Cuba," he said, offering no details about what the talks entail or how they would proceed.
People holding a banner against President Donald Trump, march outside the U.S. Embassy to protest the killing of Cuban officers during the U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Havana, Cuba, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
"It doesn't have to be a humanitarian crisis. I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal," Mr. Trump said, adding, "So Cuba would be free again... I think, you know, we'll be kind."
Earlier this week, the president signed an executive order authorizing tariffs on goods from countries that sell or otherwise provide oil to Cuba. Officials said the move is intended to deter third-party suppliers and limit Cuba's access to fuel, after the U.S. moved to stop direct shipments from Venezuela.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned the U.S. policy could create a humanitarian crisis and said she would explore alternatives to continue assisting Cuba. Mexican officials and international aid groups have expressed concern about the potential impact on civilians if fuel shortages worsen.
It remains unclear what concrete goals the U.S. seeks from Cuba or what concessions, if any, Washington might demand. Trump predicted that pressure would force negotiations and suggested the Cuban government could be weakened by the measures, but he did not identify specific objectives or a timeline.
Reporting: Price reported from Washington.
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