Politics'I Can Do Anything I Want': Donald Trump Admits He'll Likely 'Have the Honor of Taking Cuba' During His Presidency
Donald Trump has widespread faced backlash for his military actions across the globe since starting his second term as POTUS.
March 17 2026, Published 6:43 p.m. ET
Move over, Greenland, as Donald Trump has his eyes set on a new destination.
During an unrelated Oval Office event on Monday, March 16, the President of the United States admitted he may "take over" Cuba — fueling controversy surrounding military moves made by the Trump administration during his second term in office.
Trump's confession came in response to Fox News' Peter Doocy asking whether military action in Cuba would be more similar to the smaller scale operation of capturing Venezuelan President Nicolàs Maduro or mimic the much-larger ongoing war in Iran — which has killed at least 13 U.S. service members and thousands across the Middle East.
'I Could Do Anything I Want With It'
Donald Trump said it would be an 'honor' to 'take over Cuba' before the end of his presidency.
In response, Trump declared: “All my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. ‘When will the United States do it?’”
The Republican leader then expressed his belief that he will have "the honor of taking Cuba" before his time in the White House comes to an end.
Donald Trump threatened to 'take over' Cuba during an unrelated Oval Office event.
Donald Trump called the Caribbean island country 'weak.'
"That'd be good. That's a big honor. Taking Cuba in some form," Trump continued, gloating at the idea of seizing the Caribbean island nation. "Whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth?"
The POTUS provided his prediction about Cuba's fate amid a nationwide blackout reported by the country's government on Monday, which occurred in connection to an ongoing energy crisis and a U.S. blockade on oil shipments to the island.
- Donald Trump Expands Threats: Venezuela, Colombia and Iran Under Fire After Controversial Raids
- Donald Trump's Greenland Ambitions: Military Chiefs Resist His Push for Invasion Amid Political Turbulence
- Donald Trump Labeled 'Completely Insane' After He Shares Fake Post Declaring Himself 'Acting President of Venezuela'
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Donald Trump Says Cuba Is a 'Very Weakened Nation'
Donald Trump previously threatened to make higher tariffs on countries that deliver oil to Cuba.
Trump has notably threatened to raise tariffs on any country that delivers oil to Cuba. During his Oval Office appearance, Trump added, "They’re a very weakened nation right now. They were for a long time, very violent, very violent leaders."
Russia Backs Cuba After Donald Trump Threatens to 'Take Over' Island Country
Donald Trump ordered a U.S. blockade on oil shipments to Cuba in January.
After Trump made headlines for claiming he'd likely "take over" Cuba, the Russian Foreign Ministry vowed to continue supporting the Caribbean country.
"Russia reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the government and fraternal people of Cuba," the ministry said regarding the two allies, whose security and economic ties date back to the Soviet Union era. "We strongly condemn attempts of gross interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, intimidation, and the use of illegal unilateral restrictive measures."
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted Cuba faces "unprecedented challenges" as a "direct result of the long-term trade, economic, financial and, more recently, the U.S. energy embargo against Cuba."
