United States (US) President Donald Trump has suggested that he would “take” the island nation of Cuba, adding that it would be a great hour.
Trump was responding to media questions in the Oval Office amid an ongoing US oil blockage that has imperilled Cuba’s already battered economy and affected communications, the healthcare system and transportation, among others.
The New York Times reports that the Trump administration was seeking to push President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power, citing four unnamed sources, but that the US is leaving the next steps to Cubans.
Trump, interacting with a journalist, appeared emboldened after also taking military action against Venezuela and Iran in recent months, in violation of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.
Trump told reporters, “Can tell you that they’re talking to us. It’s a failed nation. They have no money. They have no oil. They have no nothing. They have nice land. They have nice landscape, you know? It’s a beautiful island. But I think Cubans. You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the US and Cuba. When will the US do it? I do believe I’ll be the honour of, having the honour of taking Cuba. That would be, that’s it’s a big honour.
Journalist asks: “Taking Cuba?”
Trump replies: “Taking Cuba in some form. I mean, whether I free it, take it. Think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth. They’re a very weakened nation, right now.”
—SABC—
