FLORIDA February 1 2026 – President Donald Trump spoke to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, addressing the ongoing economic crisis in Cuba and hinting at potential negotiations between the United States and the island nation.
In remarks captured in a video clip shared by the official White House Rapid Response account (@RapidResponse47), Trump described Cuba as a “failing nation” that has struggled for a long time, particularly now that it no longer receives significant support from Venezuela.
Trump stated: “Cuba is a failing nation — it has been for a long time, but now it doesn’t have Venezuela to prop it up. We’re talking to the people from Cuba — the highest people in Cuba — to see what happens. So, I think we’re going to make a deal with Cuba. It’s in bad shape.”
He further noted that Cuba faces a “humanitarian problem” amid its economic difficulties, suggesting that a deal could be forthcoming as discussions continue with senior Cuban officials.
The comments come against the backdrop of tightened U.S. sanctions and measures aimed at restricting Cuba’s access to oil and energy financing, which have contributed to worsening shortages of medicine and other essentials on the island.
Trump’s statements sparked immediate reactions online, with supporters celebrating the prospect of a potential shift in U.S.-Cuba relations after decades of tension, while critics highlighted the impact of sanctions on ordinary Cubans and questioned the motivations behind any proposed deal.
The president made the remarks while at Mar-a-Lago, where he was attending events including the wedding of White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino. Trump has frequently used the resort as a venue for informal press interactions during weekend stays in Florida.
This development follows broader foreign policy moves in the region, though no official details on the scope or timeline of any potential agreement have been released by the White House or Cuban authorities.
About The Author
