“The Honour of Taking Cuba”: President Trump Signals Intervention in Cuba Amid Total Grid Collapse

WASHINGTON | HAVANA — President Donald Trump issued a provocative warning to the Cuban government on Monday, suggesting the United States is prepared to “take over” the island as it plunges into a nationwide blackout. The collapse of Cuba’s national power grid follows a stringent U.S. oil blockade initiated in January, which has successfully halted nearly all fuel imports to the Communist-led nation.

“Whether I free it, take it—think I could do anything I want with it,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “They’re a very weakened nation right now.”

Total Grid Collapse: 10 Million Without Power

The Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE) confirmed a “complete shutdown” of the national grid, leaving almost the entire population of 10 million in darkness.

• State of Restoration: As of Monday evening, power had been restored to only 5% of Havana (approx. 42,000 customers) and select hospitals. Officials warn that these small circuits remain unstable and prone to secondary failure.

• Aged Infrastructure: The collapse was exacerbated by the failure of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the island’s largest, highlighting the fragility of a grid that has suffered three major blackouts in four months.

• The Humanitarian Toll: Residents report widespread food spoilage and a lack of running water, fueling a humanitarian crisis that has sparked rare public unrest, including the torching of a Communist Party office over the weekend.

The U.S. Blockade: Regime Change Strategy

The Trump administration has explicitly linked the current energy crisis to its goal of regime change in Havana.

• The Oil Embargo: Since January 9, no significant oil imports have reached Cuba due to U.S. threats of tariffs against any nation or company providing fuel. Data shows only two small vessels have successfully docked this year.

• “Friendly Takeover”: President Trump, who has previously suggested a “friendly takeover” of the island, claimed on Sunday that the Cuban government “wants to make a deal,” even as his administration maintains a “militaristic approach” to Latin America.

Havana’s Response: Inviting the Diaspora

In a significant policy shift aimed at bypassing U.S. pressure, President Miguel Diaz-Canel’s government has extended an unprecedented invitation to Cuban Americans and exiles.

• Foreign Investment: Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga announced that exiles will now be permitted to own businesses and partner with both private and state-owned entities on the island.

• Infrastructure Projects: The government is offering land grants under usufruct and allowing exiles to open foreign currency bank accounts in Cuban banks to facilitate large-scale infrastructure investment.

• Diplomatic Channels: President Diaz-Canel confirmed for the first time last week that direct talks between Havana and the Trump administration have been occurring behind the scenes.

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Regional Context: “Militaristic Approach”

Despite being engaged in a high-intensity war against Iran alongside Israel, top U.S. officials have promised that Washington will not scale back its pressure in Latin America. The administration’s focus on Cuba is mirrored by its backing of anti-criminal operations in Ecuador, signaling a broad reassertion of U.S. influence across the Western Hemisphere.