January 9, 2026 1:42 PM.
US President Donald Trump has said that Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis after US action in Venezuela. In an interview, Mr Trump said, Cuba relies on Venezuela for money and oil.
He said Venezuela and Cuba had long operated under an arrangement in which Havana provided security support to Venezuela in exchange for oil and cash. He said that Cuban forces that had been operating in Venezuela were defeated during recent events.
“Cuba totally relies on Venezuela for money and for oil,” Trump said in a sit-down interview on Fox News’ Hannity. “That doesn’t work anymore.” He said Venezuela and Cuba had long operated under an arrangement in which Havana provided security support in exchange for oil and cash.
“That was always the deal,” Trump said. “Cuba gives protection to Venezuela, and Venezuela gives Cuba money through oil.” Trump said that the relationship has now ended following the US operation in Venezuela. “I don’t know what Cuba is going to do,” he said. “I think Cuba is going to fail.”