‘We can’t take it anymore’: How Trump is pushing Cuba to the brink

‘We can’t take it anymore’: How Trump is pushing Cuba to the brink

A Havana street vendor leaned in close, his voice barely above a murmur as he confessed, “Let the Americans arrive, let Trump take charge—this struggle has lasted too long.” His words carried a quiet urgency, echoing the tension that now grips the island under a new wave of American pressure. The man, a driver of a bicycle taxi, spoke with a mix of resignation and defiance, his sentiment capturing the growing frustration of many Cubans.

Trump’s administration has intensified economic sanctions on Cuba, a strategy that has severely strained its already fragile economy. Unlike past measures, these actions have been swift and targeted, cutting off vital resources and sending a clear message: the island is not immune to the pressures of the U.S. president’s agenda. The consequences are visible in the daily lives of Cubans, from empty hotels to a dwindling flow of tourists and a collapse in fuel availability.

“Cuba is going to fall soon,” Trump told CNN’s Dana Bash on Friday. His declaration, while reminiscent of earlier U.S. presidential rhetoric, has taken on a sharper edge under his leadership. The oil embargo, for instance, has disrupted the flow of critical supplies, leaving Havana’s allies with little to offer.

The Cuban government, long accustomed to enduring decades of U.S. sanctions, now faces a new challenge. With no naval blockade to deter trade, the impact of Trump’s policies feels more direct. In recent weeks, the island has experienced prolonged blackouts, a stark reminder of its vulnerability. During a 36-hour power outage, locals resorted to cooking over burning tree limbs on a main avenue, a scene that underscores the severity of the crisis.

“We have returned to the Stone Age,” one man remarked, his tone unexpectedly upbeat. Without fuel, cars are scarce, and the few remaining vehicles—government-issued for tourists—are being siphoned for resale on the black market. A single tank of gas now costs more than $300, surpassing the annual income of many Cubans.

Despite the hardships, the Cuban government maintains its resolve. “Cuba is not alone,” it declares, yet the island’s current state reflects a sense of isolation. Employees are sent home, food is scavenged from trash, and the once-thriving tourist sector has dwindled to near silence. Some Cubans, however, express hope for a shift in fortunes, regardless of the path forward. When my cameraman returned, I asked the taxi driver if he was willing to share his thoughts. He hesitated, then walked away, content to keep his concerns hushed for now.

Trump’s approach has redefined the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, a nation that withstood Cold War tensions and internal strife. The current crisis, fueled by relentless sanctions and political pressure, has brought the island to a tipping point. While officials insist Cuba will not bow to American demands, the reality is that its people are bearing the brunt of the struggle, their resilience tested by years of hardship.