President Donald Trump has taken a decisive stand against Cuba, declaring an end to the flow of oil and financial support from Venezuela in a bold move on social media.

On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Trump posted on Truth Social that Cuba would no longer receive resources from Venezuela, a country now under U.S. protection following recent military and political shifts. Additionally, Trump announced on January 6, 2026, that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela’s affairs until a peaceful transition is achieved.

The issue has ignited fierce debate over U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, with supporters praising the move as a long-overdue correction to regional power dynamics. Critics, however, question the implications of such direct intervention.

Breaking Cuba’s Longstanding Venezuelan Lifeline

For years, Cuba relied on Venezuelan oil and money, providing security services to prop up Venezuela’s past authoritarian leaders in return. Trump’s announcement cuts off this lifeline, signaling a hard stop to a relationship that many saw as enabling oppression, Breitbart News reported. It’s a gut punch to Havana, and the timing couldn’t be sharper.

“Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!” Trump declared on Truth Social. Talk about a wake-up call—Cuba’s days of coasting on Venezuelan generosity are over.

Further compounding Cuba’s woes, Trump revealed that many Cuban security personnel in Venezuela perished in a U.S. military operation last week. With Venezuela now under the shield of what Trump calls the world’s most powerful military, Cuba’s role as a protector is obsolete. It’s a stark reminder that alliances built on shaky ground can crumble fast.

Seizing Oil and Shifting Power Dynamics

Last December, the U.S. seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, loaded with Venezuelan crude but flagged for past ties to illicit Iranian smuggling. A federal judge had greenlit the seizure weeks earlier, proving this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment act. It’s a calculated move to choke off Cuba’s resources while flexing U.S. maritime muscle.

Trump didn’t stop there—he’s also captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, though details on timing remain sparse. With Maduro out of the picture, the U.S. is stepping in to steer Venezuela’s future, including a temporary takeover of its governance. This isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a full-on reset.

On January 6, 2026, Trump laid out plans for U.S. oil companies to rebuild Venezuela’s crumbling infrastructure, while 30 to 50 million barrels of high-quality oil will be sold at market rates. The funds, he insists, will be managed by him to benefit both Venezuelan and American citizens. It’s a page straight out of his 2011 book advocating for oil as a tool of liberation.

Cuba’s Troubles and a Call to Negotiate

“THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” Trump warned in his Truth Social post. That’s not just a statement—it’s an ultimatum with a ticking clock.

Adding to the pressure, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently noted that Cuban leaders are “in a lot of trouble,” pointing to their role in propping up Maduro’s regime. It’s hard to argue with that assessment when Havana’s biggest backer is now under new management. Cuba’s leadership must feel like they’re stranded on a sinking ship.

With Venezuela’s oil sales now redirected and U.S. firms poised to overhaul the industry, the benefits are framed as a win-win for both nations’ citizens. But let’s be real—this also secures American interests in a resource-rich region long plagued by instability. It’s strategic, sure, but it’s also a gamble on long-term goodwill.

A Conservative Vision for Regional Stability

The broader picture here is a rejection of failed socialist experiments that have kept both Cuba and Venezuela in economic shackles for decades. Trump’s approach, while heavy-handed to some, aims to dismantle systems that prioritize ideology over prosperity. It’s a breath of fresh air for those tired of seeing American influence sidelined.

Yet, the question lingers—will this hardline stance push Cuba to the negotiating table, or deeper into isolation? While the U.S. holds the cards with military might and oil control, diplomacy must play a role to avoid further regional tension. Here’s hoping for a balance of strength and wisdom as this unfolds.