Trump Declares No More Oil or Money for Cuba from Venezuela

Author: Dr. Ananya Sharma

Date: January 11, 2026

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump declared that Venezuela will no longer provide oil or financial support to Cuba, a significant shift in the longstanding relationship between the two nations. Trump emphasized that Cuba had relied on Venezuelan resources for many years, particularly under the regimes of the last two Venezuelan dictators. This announcement comes in the wake of a violent incident in which many Cuban operatives reportedly lost their lives following an American military operation.

Key Details

Trump"s remarks highlighted the historical dependency of Cuba on Venezuela, stating, "Cuba survived for many years thanks to oil and money from Venezuela." He pointed out that in return for this support, Cuba had offered "security services" to the Venezuelan leadership. However, he claimed that this arrangement is no longer viable, asserting that "most of those Cubans have died after the American attack last week." While Trump did not specify the exact number of casualties, the implication of a significant loss of life indicates a severe escalation in tensions between the U.S., Cuba, and Venezuela.

Furthermore, Trump stated that Venezuela no longer requires protection from what he described as "thugs and extortionists" who had previously held them hostage. He claimed that Venezuela now has the backing of the United States, which he referred to as "the most powerful army in the world (by far!)," suggesting that this military strength would serve as a protective measure for Venezuela moving forward.

In a direct warning to Cuba, Trump declared, "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY FOR CUBA! ZERO!" He urged Cuban authorities to reach an agreement with Venezuela before it is "too late," indicating a sense of urgency in the diplomatic landscape of the region.

Background

The relationship between Cuba and Venezuela has historically been characterized by mutual support, particularly during the presidencies of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Cuba has provided intelligence and security assistance to Venezuela, while Venezuela has supplied Cuba with oil at subsidized rates. This arrangement has been crucial for Cuba"s economy, especially during periods of economic hardship exacerbated by U.S. sanctions.

Trump"s comments come amid a backdrop of increasing tensions in Latin America, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy toward the region. The former president"s statement reflects a broader strategy to isolate Cuba and diminish its economic support systems, particularly those reliant on Venezuelan resources.

What"s Next

The implications of Trump"s declaration are significant for both Cuba and Venezuela. Without Venezuelan oil and financial support, Cuba may face intensified economic challenges, potentially leading to further instability on the island. For Venezuela, the loss of its ally"s support could alter its domestic and international standing, particularly if the U.S. continues to exert military and diplomatic pressure.

As previously reported, the geopolitical landscape in Latin America remains fluid, and developments in U.S.-Cuba relations will be closely monitored. For further insights into related coverage, see our article on Trump"s declaration regarding Cuba and Venezuela.