What is Trump's primary focus with Cuba?

CBS News
March 19, 2026
2 views
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

President Trump has indicated Cuba is his next foreign policy target following operations against Venezuela and Iran.

How This Affects You

Potential escalation of U.S. sanctions and military posture toward Cuba could increase tensions in Western Hemisphere.

AI Summary

President Trump has indicated Cuba is his next foreign policy target following military and intelligence operations directed at Venezuela and Iran earlier this year. The statement suggests an escalation in Trump's approach to adversarial regimes in the Western Hemisphere and Middle East. Cuba's location 90 miles off the Florida coast and its longstanding antagonistic relationship with the U.S. have made it a recurring focus of Republican administrations. American University professor William LeoGrande provided analysis on the implications of this shift in priorities. The move signals potential intensification of Trump's confrontational stance toward communist and leftist governments in America's strategic regions.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Russia may test Trump’s Cuba’s blockade with oil tankers crossing Atlantic
Global

Russia may test Trump’s Cuba’s blockade with oil tankers crossing Atlantic

Two vessels carrying Russian oil are reportedly heading for Cuba in the coming days in a move that could test President Trump’s longstanding blockade, according to the Financial Times, citing maritime intelligence companies.   One of the tankers making its way to the Caribbean island is Sea Horse, a Hong Kong-flagged ship estimated to be…

The HillMar 20
Answering Trump's call for help in Middle East 'political suicide' for allies
Global

Answering Trump's call for help in Middle East 'political suicide' for allies

President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz as it remains closed due to the ongoing war in the Middle East triggered by the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. FRANCE 24's Oliver Farry looks at why Trump's plan could be easier said than done.

AFP / France 24Mar 16
How giving $1M to Trump's team made him a top contender for Georgia governor
Politics

How giving $1M to Trump's team made him a top contender for Georgia governor

<p>Billionaire Rick Jackson filed to run for Georgia governor at the last minute even though another Republican had been endorsed by <a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">President Trump</a>. But Jackson made a move that helped put him in contention: He gave $1 million to Trump's political operation.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Now <a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/rick-jackson-promises-to-unwind-his-companys-state-contracts-if-elected/" target="_blank">Jackson</a>, a political neophyte, is atop GOP polls and the latest wealthy individual to endear themself to Trump by funneling massive sums to the president's pet causes.</p><hr><ul><li>Deep-pocketed individuals and companies seeking endorsements, pardons and crypto deregulation have <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/12/22/us/politics/trump-donors-fundraising-benefits.html" target="_blank">poured money</a> into Trump's political operation, his White House ...

AxiosMar 17
Trump's mediators offer Hamas formal proposal to give up its weapons in Gaza - NPR
Global

Trump's mediators offer Hamas formal proposal to give up its weapons in Gaza - NPR

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijAFBVV95cUxQVFJBWkZFZzRkeUprZGJzNlR6YWRiLW1XRGtmMEw4RnE4ci13SmJvQS1kSmtBOVJOZFBBdTJYdlEzS2RzVzVIakgwME9VRDRRX2Y5Z3pkZmZoZjl1QldzTU1JTnVHak1Bc2N1UWoxMDQtUXpaSHNESVNnYmJYLXZMaUR6akZuTUF0ekpuTQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump's mediators offer Hamas formal proposal to give up its weapons in Gaza</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">NPR</font><strong><a href="https://news.google.com/stories/CAAqNggKIjBDQklTSGpvSmMzUnZjbmt0TXpZd1NoRUtEd2lKcjlYZUVCRnMyeWVxRUtSNDZpZ0FQAQ?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en&oc=5" target="_blank">View Full Coverage on Google News</a></strong>

NPRMar 19
Japan's leader faces high-wire act in Washington over Trump's Iran demands - Reuters
Global

Japan's leader faces high-wire act in Washington over Trump's Iran demands - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuAFBVV95cUxPblI5YUFvVUhMVWJUS3Q4SmZPeEJZSXBUeTYzVE02MU9zeHYtaUFUd3FjeG9RM2RNVkhqSVlwUndiUFBBbHFxMmlWTUNUYThRbWNwckk1VXRnd3R2bUtnUzZ4MkRXc1R6YkFTOTN6SUJrQy1TTXFIVXFGdnUwckQ3WDczck15ZzFHZ2h0aHJRdm5GYWFfdUVvYWh6QmJybUVVcVJZNEJCQkc0bGJ5b01GREZhenZaVmRs?oc=5" target="_blank">Japan's leader faces high-wire act in Washington over Trump's Iran demands</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersMar 18
Top counterterrorism official Kent resigns over Trump's Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat - AP News
National Security

Top counterterrorism official Kent resigns over Trump's Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilgFBVV95cUxQY3hKc1k0enEwcnVPOWVCLXZqVUdUSGRMZDk2WkExSTlXZ2hobHdRWmZqUDBkVUhCN1JUOGVDblVzRG4yLU5Jc2xhSHdQWG1GRFpzTTY4V05TWTNNMWI0WlgyS1JLTU42MEI4UnAwa3FSMllYWjRCUU5UYkpETUNsal95enVVRXVDdWU5Z2lPRHI3a0Zwa1E?oc=5" target="_blank">Top counterterrorism official Kent resigns over Trump's Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 17
Read Next
US lifts sanctions on Iranian oil stranded at sea
Global

US lifts sanctions on Iranian oil stranded at sea

The Trump administration lifted sanctions on Iranian oil stuck at sea on Friday evening as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran continues to hike up global energy costs. “Today, the Department of the Treasury is issuing a narrowly tailored, short-term authorization permitting the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea,” Treasury Secretary Scott…

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources