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US President Donald Trump said he would consider it an "honor" to take control of Cuba. He made this statement during an executive order signing ceremony at the White House, CNBC reports.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump made some resonant statements about the island nation. "I truly believe I'll have the honor of conquering Cuba. That would be a wonderful thing. It would be a great honor. I could liberate it or conquer it—I think I could do whatever I want with it," he declared.
This isn't the first such statement from the US president. Trump has previously mentioned the possibility of a so-called "friendly takeover" of Cuba, with which the United States has had strained relations for decades.
The situation around Cuba is becoming more complex amid the energy and economic crisis. Following the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the White House effectively restricted Havana's access to Venezuelan oil, further exacerbating the country's situation. The fuel shortage has led to rolling blackouts and the curtailment of a number of government services.
On March 14–15, protests erupted across the country, escalating into street riots in some places. On March 16, Cuba experienced a massive blackout, leaving the entire country's population—approximately 10 million people—without power.
Earlier, Cuban authorities announced they were holding talks with the Trump administration about a possible resolution to the situation. Trump himself confirmed the talks, calling Cuba "a failed country with no oil but a beautiful land."
