Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Cuba as a “failed nation” moving “in only one direction – down” – only to then announce he is planning to open talks with the island’s communist government.
The US president made the contradictory remarks on his Truth Social social media platform, where he characterised Cuba as a failing state in desperate need of assistance.
“Not one Republican has ever spoken to me about Cuba, a failed nation that is moving in only one direction – down! Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!” Trump wrote.
He did not specify when such talks might take place, adding instead that he was “off to China for now.” The president’s state visit to the People’s Republic of China is scheduled for May 13-15.
The overture comes just days after Trump expanded sanctions against Cuba on May 1. In response, Havana said the newly announced restrictions violated the principles of the UN Charter. Later, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington would continue to intensify pressure on Cuba until it implements political and economic reforms.
