Trump’s remarks linking Cuba to recent US actions in Venezuela and Iran, along with sharp criticism of NATO, signal a tougher and more unpredictable foreign policy stance.
US President Donald Trump (Photo: IANS)
US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh concern with a striking comment that “Cuba is next”, even as Washington continues military actions in Venezuela and Iran.
The remark came during a speech at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Miami, where Trump appeared to casually float the idea before asking the media to ignore it.
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“Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn’t say that please. Pretend I didn’t say that. Please, please, please media, please disregard that statement. Thank you very much. Cuba’s next.”
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This comes after a run of forceful US military actions in recent months. This comes after a series of US military moves in recent months.
In January, American forces carried out an operation in Venezuela. It led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Weeks later, on February 28, the US joined Israel in launching strikes on Iran. That marked another sharp escalation.
Taken together, these actions have raised tensions around the world. Trump has often highlighted US military strength. He has also made it clear he is willing to use it.
Cuba, meanwhile, is already under pressure. The country is facing a long-running economic and energy crisis, largely due to US sanctions. The United Nations has warned that fuel shortages are worsening living conditions and pushing the island towards a humanitarian emergency.
Earlier this month, Trump had hinted that Cuba could “fall pretty soon”, although he indicated that the administration’s immediate focus remains on Iran.
In the same address, Trump also launched a sharp attack on NATO, calling it a “paper tiger” and accusing allies of failing to support the United States during critical moments.
“They didn’t come to our aid,” he said, questioning the value of Washington’s long-standing commitment to the alliance. He suggested that the US may need to rethink its role if partners do not reciprocate support.
Trump also referred to conversations with European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, claiming that offers of assistance came only after military operations had ended. “I don’t want them when the war is over,” he said.
The remarks mark one of Trump’s bluntest criticisms of NATO in recent months, adding to uncertainty around US foreign policy as conflicts in the Middle East and Latin America continue to unfold.
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