U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that his administration intends to halt the flow of Venezuelan oil and financial resources to Cuba, warning that continued cooperation between Caracas and Havana will face stronger U.S. pressure unless a negotiated arrangement is reached.
Speaking on the issue, Trump said Venezuela should no longer be allowed to supply energy or economic support to Cuba, arguing that such assistance undermines U.S. efforts to isolate governments Washington considers hostile. He framed the move as part of a broader strategy to force political concessions through economic leverage.
According to Trump, any continuation of Venezuelan oil shipments or related financial arrangements benefiting Cuba would prompt decisive action unless what he described as a “deal” is achieved. He did not publicly specify the terms of such a deal or whether negotiations would involve one or both governments.
Venezuela and Cuba have long maintained close ties, with energy cooperation forming a central pillar of their relationship. Oil shipments from Venezuela have helped cushion Cuba’s economy amid fuel shortages and external restrictions, while Havana has provided technical and professional support to Caracas in return.
U.S. officials have repeatedly criticized this partnership, arguing that it allows both governments to withstand international sanctions and prolong political systems Washington opposes. Trump’s remarks suggest a renewed effort to disrupt that relationship through stricter enforcement measures, potentially targeting shipping routes, intermediaries, and financial channels.
Neither the Cuban nor Venezuelan governments immediately responded to the statement. Both have previously dismissed U.S. sanctions as coercive and unlawful, insisting that bilateral cooperation is a sovereign matter.
Political analysts say the announcement signals a tougher regional posture and reflects Trump’s preference for transactional diplomacy, using economic pressure to force negotiations. However, they caution that any escalation could further strain regional relations and complicate energy markets already affected by sanctions and geopolitical uncertainty.
While no formal policy change was announced alongside Trump’s comments, the statement itself has heightened attention on U.S. enforcement tools and the future of Venezuelan oil exports linked to Cuba.
For now, the message from Washington is clear: continued energy cooperation between Venezuela and Cuba will face increased scrutiny unless it is reshaped through negotiations acceptable to the United States.
