Trump threatens Cuba: Negotiate "BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE"

"The U.S. strike in Venezuela put allied Cuba, already strained by a sagging economy, in an even more precarious position and killed 32 of its military personnel, per the Associated Press. Trump wrote that "Venezuela doesn't need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage" because it now has the U.S. "to protect them." He added: "I strongly suggest they [Cuba] make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.""

"Between the lines: The administration has made clear it wants the Cuban regime gone, though Trump has seemed less eager for military action. Suggesting the collapse of Cuba's communist government was imminent, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, "I don't think we need any action." But Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after the Caracas operation, "If I lived in Havana, and I was in the government, I'd be concerned.""

After a U.S. strike in Venezuela killed 32 Cuban military personnel, U.S. pressure on Cuba intensified with presidential messages declaring "NO MORE OIL OR MONEY" and urging Cuba to make a deal before it's too late. The president asserted Venezuela no longer needs protection from its former rulers because the United States will protect it. The administration signaled a desire for the Cuban regime to fall, though expressed reluctance for direct military action. Social media posts amplified calls against Cuba, including a shared post claiming "Marco Rubio will be president of Cuba." Cuban officials disputed claims about providing security services to Venezuela.

Read at Axios