Since the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, the Cuban regime has been seen as the next target of Donald Trump’s government in Latin America.
Sources revealed to The Wall Street Journal that the US would be looking for people linked to the Cuban dictatorship who could help close an agreement for the departure of dictator Miguel Diáz-Canel and his supporters by the end of the year.
In the Trump administration’s assessment, the Cuban economy is on the verge of collapse since Maduro’s fall, which has made the regime even more fragile.
Senior American officials have pointed out that there is no specific plan to overthrow the communist dictatorship, but the recent operation in Venezuela and subsequent concessions by its allies have signaled that Cuba has been deeply affected.
On January 11, Trump had already given indications that this pressure was happening behind the scenes. “I strongly suggest that they [cubanos] make a deal. BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE,” the president declared on social media, adding that “NO OIL OR MONEY” would be sent to Cuba.
A White House official said on condition of anonymity that there was a meeting with Cuban exiles and civic groups in Miami and Washington focused on identifying possible representatives of the Diáz-Canel regime who would be willing to negotiate with the United States.
While Trump has said the use of force against Havana is “unnecessary,” his administration officials say privately that the military operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture should serve as an implicit threat to the communist dictatorship.
In turn, Cuba has signaled that it is not willing to negotiate with Washington. Over the weekend, Havana’s National Defense Council approved “plans and measures” to implement a “state of war” amid tensions with the US.
