President Donald Trump stated on Saturday, Sept. 26, that he does not predict U.S. military action in Cuba. The President’s comments were made in response to inquiries regarding rumors that military units had been activated in relation to the island nation, following a week of diplomatic controversy at the United Nations General Assembly.
Earlier in the week, on Sept. 22, Trump had told the U.N. delegation that his administration was seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba and predicted that the government would fall. During those remarks, the President stated, "Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba." The Cuban delegation protested these comments by standing up and walking out of the hall during the President's address.
Addressing reporters outside the White House on Saturday morning, Trump clarified his stance on the potential for conflict. "I don't think we'll need the military," he said. The President further noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently in negotiations with Cuba, a process occurring amid an ongoing U.S. pressure campaign that has included the restriction of oil shipments to the country.
Trump also emphasized his administration's interest in the Cuban American community, stating, "We have great Cuban Americans that want to go back. We want to open Cuba up to our people."
Contributing: Miles J. Herszenhorn and Francesca Chambers
