March 20, 2026
Trump's man in Havana? Cuba looks like Washington’s next regime change target
On March 16, a nationwide blackout hit Cuba amid an unprecedented fuel crisis, the result of a U.S.-imposed oil blockade. In recent decades, Cuba has survived thanks to supplies from Venezuela, but those ceased after the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces earlier this year. Public life in Cuba has been paralyzed: schools are closing, air travel has been largely suspended, and civil unrest is on the rise. Meanwhile, American authorities are hinting at the possibility of removing the island’s socialist government. Until recently, the Cuban leadership denied any negotiations with the White House, but media reports have repeatedly pointed to informal contacts between officials in Washington and younger members of the Castro family.
TL;DR
- Cuba's economy is in crisis due to the halt of Venezuelan oil supplies after the U.S. operation against Nicolás Maduro.
- The U.S. is applying increased economic pressure, hinting at regime change in Cuba.
- Widespread shortages of fuel, electricity, and basic goods are affecting public life, leading to rising discontent and protests.
- Reports indicate potential informal negotiations between U.S. officials and younger members of the Castro family.
- The U.S. has historically imposed sanctions on Cuba, with Trump significantly tightening them.
- Remittances from the Cuban diaspora are a crucial source of income, with emigrants sending approximately $4 billion annually in cash and goods.
- Other countries like China and Russia have offered humanitarian aid to Cuba.
- The U.S. is exploring options for regime change, potentially through a "Venezuelan model" or direct negotiations with factions within the Cuban government.
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