The U.S. government, led by Donald Trump, addressed its concerns about Cuba after the end of the Iran War during a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida, on October 23. In this 90-minute speech, Trump referred to Cuban-American voters and stated that after resolving the Iran crisis, he would focus on Cuba.
Possible Military Actions Against Iran
During the rally, Trump mentioned that further military actions against Iran might be forthcoming to respond to the reasons behind rising oil prices, which have pressured Republicans ahead of the midterm elections on November 3. He promised elderly residents of Florida that $250 million would be allocated to hire at least 5,000 new nurses in nursing homes across the U.S.
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Pressure on the Cuban Government
Despite the seemingly endless Iran War, Trump pointed to a tough situation for the Cuban government and stated that U.S. naval forces would head towards Cuba upon returning from Iran. He added, "We will stop one of them about 50 yards off the coast of Cuba. They will raise their hands, and then we will send Marco Rubio there to finalize the deal." Marco Rubio, the former senator and Secretary of State from Florida, is responsible for policies related to Cuba.
Rubio, in his post on the social media platform X, advised those seeking positive change in Cuba that "now is the time" and suggested they create the desired change through collaboration with the CIA. Trump's speech was also aimed at boosting the electoral prospects of Florida Republican representative Byron Donalds, who is competing against Democratic candidate David Jolly.
In his second term, Trump has increased pressure on Cuba and, during the UN General Assembly in September, described Cuba as a "failed state," stating, "Freedom will come to Cuba." These remarks prompted Cuban representatives to leave the hall. Trump's goal has been declared as a fundamental change in the Cuban government, while the oil sanctions imposed by the United States have left the country facing fuel shortages and severe blackouts.
UN human rights experts have condemned these oil sanctions as a violation of international law, and human rights advocates say that the threats from the Trump administration are perceived as an imperialistic approach.
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