Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Foreign
By ••1 min read

Trump Says Cuba “Ready to Fall” After Maduro’s Capture

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President Donald Trump has claimed that Cuba is “ready to fall” following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, arguing that Havana can no longer rely on Venezuela for security and oil.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said Saturday’s operation, which saw U.S. forces detain Maduro and his wife over alleged narco-terrorism charges, has weakened Cuba’s strategic position in the region. “I think it’s just going to fall. I don’t think we need any action. Looks like it’s going down. It’s going down for the count,” he stated.

The announcement comes amid regional tensions, protests, and diplomatic backlash. Cuban authorities condemned the operation as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and called for rallies in support of Caracas. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have alleged that Cuban operatives played a key role in sustaining Maduro’s regime, controlling Venezuela’s intelligence, security forces, and the president’s personal protection.

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Published on January 5, 2026
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