President Trump on Saturday launched the Shield of the Americas Summit — a coalition of Latin American leaders — pledging to “take care of Cuba” as the United States increases its intervention in the region.
“Many of you have come today and they say, ‘I hope you can take care of Cuba.’ Because you have problems with Cuba, right?,” Trump said to the gathering. “I was surprised, but four of you said, actually, ‘Could you do us a favor?’ Take care of Cuba.’ I’ll take care of it, ok?” he added, drawing applause.
Attending the meeting were the leaders of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. The event was hosted at the Trump National Doral Miami golf course in Doral, Florida.
His remarks come amid tension between Cuba and the U.S., and as many Cuban-Americans hope for a change in regime for the communist nation. The Trump administration has eased a blockade of Venezuelan oil, allowing some private-sector oil sales to Cuba. Cuba has been experiencing fuel shortages and blackouts that have left millions without power, according to The Associated Press.
Since the United States’ capture and arrest of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, in January, those who want Cuba’s government toppled have viewed Trump’s stance on intervention as a possible signal that the U.S. might similarly support ousting Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Speaking about Venezuela’s leadership change, Trump praised acting-President Delcy Rodríguez for her cooperation with the United States. “She’s doing a great job because she’s working with us. If she wasn’t working with us, I would not say she’s doing a great job. In fact, she wasn’t working with us, I’d say she’s doing a very poor job, unacceptable, but she’s doing a great job,” he said.
Trump said U.S. assistance — including American oil exports and planned gold and mineral trades — has improved Venezuela’s economic outlook. He has hailed the transition in Venezuela as a model for regime changes.