According to the president, Cuba is in a difficult financial situation: "They have no money. Right now they have nothing. But they are communicating with us, and maybe we can friendly take over Cuba."
Trump also characterized Cuba as a "failed nation" with a clear need for support from the U.S.
These remarks coincided with rising tensions around the island. Earlier, Cuban authorities reported that a speedboat registered in Florida opened fire on Cuban military personnel off the northern coast. As a result of the incident, four assailants were killed, and six people were injured, including a Cuban official.
For many years, relations between the U.S. and Cuba have remained tense. Washington continues to enforce a trade embargo against Havana, which has been in place since 1962 following the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.
Additionally, last month Trump signed an order imposing tariffs on oil for countries that supply oil to Cuba, in response to reports of a halt in Venezuelan oil shipments to the island.
