President Donald Trump on Sunday delivered a series of sharp remarks suggesting that Cuba may be nearing political collapse, while also issuing pointed warnings toward Colombia. His comments reflected an increasingly aggressive U.S. stance against left-leaning governments across Latin America.
At the same time, Trump again revived his long-stated interest in bringing Greenland under U.S. control, framing it as a matter of national and global security.
Remarks Made Aboard Air Force One
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his return to Washington, Trump’s comments came less than 48 hours after a dramatic U.S. military operation inside Venezuela, where American forces arrested longtime leader Nicolás Maduro and detained his wife.
“Cuba looks like it’s ready to fall,” Trump said, adding uncertainty about how long the government could survive.
While dismissing the idea of immediate U.S. military action against Cuba, Trump argued that the island nation’s stability has depended heavily on support from Venezuela. According to him, Cuba’s survival has been tied closely to Caracas’ economic backing.
Regime Change and U.S. Control in Venezuela
Trump’s remarks made clear that his administration expects — and is openly encouraging — political transitions across the region. He suggested the U.S. now holds decisive influence over Venezuela’s future.
“Don’t ask me who’s in charge, because it will be controversial,” Trump said. “We’re in charge.”
He outlined plans to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure before holding elections, arguing that restoring the economy first would allow citizens to choose their own leadership later. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed this view, indicating that Venezuela’s steel and aluminum sectors could be revived in ways that benefit U.S. interests.
For now, Trump said he is prepared to work with Delcy Rodríguez, who is serving as acting president. He added that the new Venezuelan leadership is expected to give the U.S. unrestricted access to help rebuild the country.
However, Trump issued a firm warning: if cooperation falters, “we will do a second strike.”
Drug Trade Claims and Warning to Colombia
The administration has justified the targeting of Maduro partly as a crackdown on drug trafficking. In that context, Trump directed unusually harsh criticism at Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who has publicly condemned the U.S. operation in Venezuela.
“Colombia is very sick too,” Trump said, accusing its leadership of allowing cocaine production and exports to continue. He suggested Petro’s time in power may be limited, reinforcing the administration’s confrontational posture toward Colombia.
Renewed Push to Annex Greenland
Only hours after Denmark’s prime minister rejected Trump’s comments about annexing Greenland, the U.S. president doubled down on the idea. He argued that American control of Greenland is essential for national security.
“We need Greenland from a national security situation,” Trump said, adding that even Europe would benefit. “The EU needs us to have Greenland.”
The remarks revived international debate over sovereignty, Arctic security, and U.S.–European relations.
