President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Cuban personnel assigned to protect Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro were killed during a U.S. operation, asserting that “many Cubans lost their lives” while defending Maduro, according to comments he gave in an interview with the New York Post.
Why It Matters
Trump’s remarks mark one of the clearest acknowledgments to date that Cuban security forces were present during the U.S. action targeting Venezuela’s leadership. The comments raise questions about Havana’s role in supporting Maduro and about how Washington views Cuba’s future as Caracas’ longtime ally.
What to Know
Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said Cuban forces were “protecting Maduro” at the time of the strike, calling the decision “not a good move.” He added that he did not know the precise number of Cuban or Venezuelan casualties resulting from the operation.
The president said he is not considering additional military action against Cuba, despite Havana’s longstanding support for the Venezuelan government. Instead, Trump argued that Cuba is facing deep internal challenges and said the country “is going to fall of its own volition” as economic conditions worsen.
Trump also justified the U.S. operation in Venezuela as a matter of domestic security, citing threats tied to drug trafficking and illegal immigrant gang activity. He said American companies, whose assets he claimed were previously confiscated by the Venezuelan government, would be involved in rebuilding the country’s oil infrastructure following the intervention.
What People Are Saying
- President Trump: “You know, many Cubans lost their lives last night. Did you know that? Many Cubans lost their lives. They were protecting Maduro. That was not a good move.”
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Speaking earlier at a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, Rubio said that officials in Havana should be concerned about developments in the region, noting Cuba’s historical reliance on Venezuela for economic support.
What Happens Next
The administration has indicated no immediate plans for further military action against Cuba, but Trump’s comments suggest continued pressure on both Havana and Caracas. U.S. officials are expected to clarify the scope of the Venezuela operation and outline next steps for regional policy, including economic and security implications tied to Venezuela’s oil sector.
