Cuba’s leaders just lost an ally in Maduro − if starved of Venezuelan oil, they may also lose what remains of their public support

Conditions on the ground in Cuba are so grim that the Trump administration thinks Havana could fall without any US intervention.

By: Joseph J. Gonzalez, Appalachian State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 7, 2026

Words: 1,186

Last Updated: 1 day, 14 hours ago

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By Joseph J. Gonzalez, Appalachian State University

Footage of a handcuffed Nicolás Maduro being escorted to a Brooklyn detention center will come as uncomfortable viewing for political leaders in Havana.

“Cuba is going to be something we’ll end up talking about,” said President Donald Trump just hours after the Jan. 3, 2026, operation to seize the Venezuelan president. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s warning: “If I lived in Havana and I …

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