Trump Declares Cuba ‘Ready to Fall’ Following U.S. Capture of Nicolás Maduro
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump asserted Sunday that Cuba is “ready to fall” in the wake of a daring U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that Maduro’s removal severs a critical economic and security lifeline to Havana, signaling a potential collapse of Cuba’s longstanding influence in the region.
“I think it’s just going to fall. I don’t think we need any action. Looks like it’s going down. It’s going down for the count,” Trump told reporters, highlighting the direct connection between Venezuela’s destabilization and Cuba’s vulnerability. The operation, which took place on Saturday, also led to the capture of Maduro’s wife on charges tied to a narco-terrorism conspiracy.
U.S. officials have long identified Cuba as a key supporter of Maduro’s regime, with Cuban security forces playing an instrumental role in maintaining his grip on power. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Cuban operatives effectively ran Venezuela’s internal intelligence and security apparatus, including personally guarding Maduro. “It was Cubans that guarded Maduro,” Rubio said. “He was not guarded by Venezuelan bodyguards. He had Cuban bodyguards.”
The Cuban government confirmed on Sunday that 32 Cuban military and police officers were killed during the U.S. operation, marking the first official death toll released by Havana. Cuban state media reported that the officers had been deployed to Venezuela at Caracas’s request and announced two days of national mourning.
The capture of Maduro has sent shockwaves through governments across the Americas. While some leaders praised the precision and effectiveness of the U.S. action, others condemned it as a violation of sovereignty. The operation, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” has been described by military officials as one of the most complicated and exquisite in recent history.
Experts suggest that the removal of Maduro could trigger a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of Latin America. Venezuela’s vast oil reserves have long been a pillar of support for Cuba’s economy and security. With Maduro ousted, analysts predict Havana will lose a vital source of funding and influence.
President Trump’s comments come amid heightened tensions and uncertainty about the future of Cuba and Venezuela. The White House has not indicated immediate plans for further action in Cuba, with Trump suggesting that the island nation’s government may collapse without additional intervention.
For more on the U.S. military operation and its implications, see the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State. The Central Intelligence Agency has also provided background on Cuban involvement in Venezuela’s security forces. Additionally, the U.S. Congress continues to monitor the situation closely as it unfolds.
As the region watches closely, the ramifications of Maduro’s capture and Cuba’s uncertain future will likely shape U.S. foreign policy and regional stability for months to come.
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