OAN Staff Addie Davis
7:17 AM – Tuesday, May 12, 2026
President Donald Trump hinted at possible talks with the island nation of Cuba, which he referred to as a “failed country.”
“No Republican has ever spoken to me about Cuba, which is a failed country and only heading in one direction — down!” the president posted to Truth Social on Tuesday morning.
“Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!!!” he continued.
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The announcement follows new sanctions placed on the communist country last week, which were born from Trump’s May 1st executive order (EO).
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) explained that the EO broadens sanctions on Cuba and authorizes the secretary of the treasury and the secretary of state to impose sanctions on foreign entities related to the Caribbean nation that are involved in activities harmful to U.S. interests.
OFAC further iterated that the State Department on Thursday designated the Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), a Cuban entity, pursuant to the order.
Posting to X on the same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, defended the sanctions.
“Today’s sanctions demonstrate that the Trump Administration will not stand by while Cuba’s communist regime threatens our national security in our hemisphere. We will continue to take action until the regime takes all necessary political and economic reforms,” he said.
Responding to Rubio’s post, U.S. Representative Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.), who claims to be the only sitting member of Congress born in Cuba, offered his support to the secretary.
“As the only Member of Congress born in Cuba, I am personally forever grateful for your commitment to freedom & democracy,” he said. “You know our community is so proud of you & supports your decisions 150%. Cuba is next!”
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