Trump does not rule out military intervention in Cuba before the end of his presidency

US President Donald Trump has stepped up pressure on Cuba once again, declaring that he wants to resolve the island's political situation before his presidential term ends in January 2029. 

The American leader has gone further, refusing to rule out a brief military operation aimed at bringing about political change in the Caribbean nation.

The remarks were made on Thursday, November 12, during a telephone interview with journalist Hugh Hewitt on the conservative Salem News Channel. Trump identified Cuba as one of his foreign policy priorities for his remaining two years in the White House.

"I want to get the Cuba situation resolved before I leave," the president said, while also highlighting the role of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in shaping Washington's decisions regarding the island.

Trump's comments come amid growing US pressure on the Cuban government and have once again raised the possibility of direct intervention, although no specific military operation or timetable has been announced.

Trump says he would consider using military force

One of the most significant moments of the interview came when Hugh Hewitt asked whether the president would be prepared to use military force against Cuba, potentially through a short military campaign.

"I would certainly consider it," Trump replied, without specifying the circumstances under which he might authorise an intervention or what military objectives such an operation would pursue.

His response represents another warning to the government in Havana, following months of statements in which the US administration has expressed its intention to promote political and economic changes in Cuba.

However, considering military action is not the same as ordering its preparation or execution. Trump has presented no operational plan and has announced no final decision regarding the use of force.

The president also described Cuba as a failed state and said his administration was closely monitoring developments within the country.

Marco Rubio emerges as a central figure in Washington's Cuba strategy

During the interview, Trump emphasised the importance of Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State and son of Cuban immigrants, in shaping American policy towards the island.

"We have a very good and very talented guy for Cuba named Marco," he said.

The president referred to Rubio's family background and suggested that the country's top diplomat has a particular interest in Cuba's political future.

Rubio has repeatedly advocated a policy of pressure against the Cuban government and has linked any potential improvement in bilateral relations to the adoption of political and economic reforms.

As a result, the Secretary of State has become a central figure in Washington's approach to Havana.

Trump had previously indicated that he intended to give Rubio a leading role in potential negotiations or agreements concerning Cuba.

United States maintains pressure on the Cuban government

The latest remarks come at a time of heightened tension between Washington and Havana.

During his second term, Trump has intensified economic and diplomatic pressure on the Cuban authorities, introducing restrictions targeting companies and individuals linked to the country's state and military institutions.

The White House argues that sanctions and trade restrictions can help bring about changes in Cuba's political system.

The Cuban government, however, maintains that US policy worsens economic hardship for ordinary citizens and constitutes interference in its domestic affairs.

Trump's military warnings introduce another element of tension into a bilateral relationship shaped for decades by the US economic embargo, sanctions and political disagreements.

The Venezuela precedent and the risk of regional escalation

The US president's comments have also reignited debate over the potential use of military force to bring about changes of government in Latin America.

In particular, reports concerning Washington's intentions have drawn comparisons with the US military operation carried out in Venezuela in 2026, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

That precedent has heightened attention surrounding Trump's remarks, especially after he expressed a willingness to consider a limited military campaign against Cuba.

Nevertheless, there has been no confirmation that Washington has decided to conduct a similar operation on the island.

Any potential US military intervention would also raise serious questions concerning international law, national sovereignty and possible humanitarian and diplomatic consequences.

Trump wants the Cuba issue resolved before 2029

Trump's stated objective is to achieve results during the second half of his presidency, which is scheduled to end on January 20, 2029.

The president has repeatedly identified Cuba as one of the unresolved issues in US foreign policy and has expressed his intention to bring about changes before leaving office.

His strategy combines, at least in his public statements, economic pressure, Marco Rubio's diplomatic leadership and the possibility of military force.

However, Thursday's remarks do not establish which approach the White House will ultimately pursue.

For now, Trump has left the door open to military intervention but has not announced a decision to attack Cuba.

The possibility of further escalation will depend on developments in relations between Washington and Havana, as well as the decisions taken by the US administration in the coming months.