Island of Freedom, dear: Trump is seriously considering buying Cuba 0 12

The Trump administration is preparing an economic agreement with Cuba, which may be announced soon, two sources familiar with White House plans reported. The details of the proposed deal and the exact timing of its conclusion are still unknown, but the document may provide for easing restrictions on American citizens traveling to Havana. For such a step, Trump will not need Congressional approval. This was reported by USA Today.

Possible resignation of President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the future of the Castro family on the island, and potential projects in the fields of ports, energy, and tourism were also discussed. In exchange, the U.S. government proposed lifting some of the existing sanctions.

After the dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and the sharp cessation of oil supplies, the island has apparently become the next target of the Trump administration, which is promoting a regime change policy. However, instead of a direct military campaign to overthrow the communist government in Havana, Trump's team decided to pursue economic agreements that prioritize U.S. interests and avoid direct confrontation.

In the last years of his presidency, Barack Obama eased some restrictions on Cuba. However, during his first term, Donald Trump reintroduced some sanctions. Now his administration is also betting on economic pressure, but, according to sources close to the White House, this approach differs from Obama's policy. The blow to Venezuela and the capture of American oil, according to Trump's supporters, were meant to show that Washington is serious about restoring its influence in the Western Hemisphere.

At the same time, it remains unclear what exactly the United States hopes to gain in return as part of a possible agreement that the president spoke about last week.

Trump publicly stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is negotiating with the Cuban government and that the island's authorities are interested in concluding a deal. In response to a request from the editorial office, the White House referred to the president's comments he made to USA TODAY at the "Shield of America" summit.

"Cuba is now at rock bottom. In a very difficult situation. They have no money. They have no oil. They have a flawed philosophy. They have a bad regime, and it has been that way for a long time," Trump told leaders of Latin American countries.

At that time, the president said that Cuba is negotiating with Rubio, himself, and other administration officials, whose names he did not disclose.

"I think it will be very easy to make a deal with Cuba," Trump said. "Cuba is already experiencing the last minutes of its former life. The country will have a wonderful future, and the current regime is in agony," Trump added.

Former U.S. officials who dealt with Cuba in private conversations wonder if the administration is really that close to concluding a deal. Trump has predicted the imminent fall of the Cuban government since his administration struck against Venezuela and captured Nicolás Maduro during a secret operation on the territory of that country.

In January, the president stated that the United States does not need to resort to military action against Cuba: according to him, the country could face economic collapse if it loses support from Venezuela.

According to people familiar with the discussions, Trump has levers of influence that the Obama administration did not have. In recent days, the White House has intensified pressure on the Cuban authorities, making it clear that charges could be brought against certain representatives of the island's government.

It is also reported that Rubio and his aides have been holding secret negotiations with Raúl Castro's grandson – Raulito Castro, who is considered one of the closest people in his grandfather's circle. The White House declined to comment on these reports, but senior administration officials did not deny them.

At an event in the White House, Trump told Miami soccer club owner Jorge Mas, whose father was born in Cuba, that he would soon be able to visit the island. "You won't even need my permission – you just fly back," Trump said.

He also indicated that he would like to finish the bombings in Iran first. According to him, this may take a couple more weeks, but he hopes that soon Latin American leaders will be able to gather together again to celebrate this event. "While we are carrying out historic transformations in Venezuela, we also expect big changes to happen in Cuba soon," Trump stated.

At the summit of Latin American leaders, the president said that many of the like-minded leaders present there asked him to address the Cuban issue. "In fact, four of you said: 'Could you do us a favor? Take care of Cuba.' I will take care of it, okay?" Trump said.

Close allies of the president also publicly warned Cuba after Maduro's capture. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham stated last week in an interview with Fox News that Cuba is next on the president's priority list.

Trump himself indicated several times last week that he would prefer to wait for the end of the United States' war with Iran before addressing the Cuban issue. According to him, Raúl Castro still holds significant influence on the island, while there is no obvious successor to the current president Miguel Díaz-Canel, although it was Raúl who chose him for this position.

"Right now our focus is on Iran, and we will deal with it. And then I will say to Marco Rubio: 'Well, Marco, will you take a couple of days off?'" Trump joked in Doral, referring to the U.S. Secretary of State. "Although maybe an hour will be enough. He'll rest for an hour and immediately finalize the deal on Cuba."