Trump's Controversial Cuba Claims Spark Outrage

During a press briefing on Monday, Donald Trump made a controversial statement regarding Cuba, asserting he could “do anything I want with” the island nation. This declaration prompted swift condemnation online, with Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) labeling it as “batshit behavior from the President of the United States.”

In response to a question from Fox News’ Peter Doocy about whether his ambitions for regime change in Cuba might involve a surprise takeover akin to the U.S. actions in Venezuela or a military intervention reminiscent of his approach in Iran, Trump remained vague. “Can’t tell you that,” he said, adding, “I can tell you that they’re talking to us.”

Trump characterized Cuba as a “failed nation” lacking financial resources and oil, yet he praised its natural beauty and described its people as “very entrepreneurial.” He noted that many Cuban immigrants in Florida would likely wish to return to their homeland.

In a misleading assertion, Trump claimed that Cuba is “not in a hurricane zone,” suggesting that this would prevent the country from seeking U.S. aid for hurricane relief. However, Cuba has faced numerous hurricanes over the years, including Hurricane Michelle in 2001, which devastated around 10,000 homes, and Hurricane Melissa last year, which caused damage to over 900,000 properties.

Trump continued, expressing his long-standing interest in U.S.-Cuba relations: “All my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it? I do believe I’ll have the honor of taking Cuba. That’s a big honor.”

“Taking Cuba?” Doocy interjected.

“Taking Cuba in some form, you know,” Trump clarified. “Taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it. I can do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth.”

He concluded by describing Cuba as a “very weakened nation” led by “very violent leaders.”