Trump threatens Cuba, Colombia, Mexico says ‘Ready to expand operations beyond Venezuela
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Monday has issued stern warnings to Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico, accused their governments of enable drug trafficking, cartel violence, and regional instability.
He signaled that Washington’s patience is running out as security threats intensify in the Western Hemisphere.
Trump was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from Mar-a-Lago, said the United States is prepared to take decisive action if these countries fail to curb narcotics production, cross-border crime, and cartel influence.
On Cuba, Trump claimed Havana’s position has weakened sharply after a recent US operation in Venezuela, which he said has cut off a major economic lifeline.
“Cuba now has no income,” Trump said, asserting that the island nation had relied heavily on Venezuelan oil supplies. “They got all of their income from Venezuela and Cuba literally is ready to fall.”
He ruled out immediate US military intervention, Trump suggested that internal collapse may be inevitable.
“We are not going in. I think it is just going to fall. It is going down for the count,” he said.
He added that many Cuban Americans would welcome such an outcome.
Trump made a strong remark against Colombia, accused its leadership of allowing large-scale cocaine production destined for the United States.
“Colombia is very sick too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States,” Trump alleged.
Trump replied when asked whether Washington could launch an operation in response, “It sounds good to me,” adding that the current situation would not last long. “He’s not going to be doing it very long,” he said.
He linked Colombia, Venezuela, and Cuba as part of what he described as a regional drug network. “We had a drug caliphate in our backyard,” Trump said, claiming the US is now dismantling it.
On Mexico, Trump said powerful drug cartels continue to dominate large parts of the country, accusing the government of failing to confront them effectively.
“The cartels are running Mexico, whether you like it or not,” Trump said. “It’s not nice to say, but the cartels are running Mexico.”
He claimed he has repeatedly offered US military assistance to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to fight drug trafficking. “Every single time I talked to her, I offered to send troops,” Trump said.
He added that the offers were declined.
“She is concerned. She is a little afraid,” he remarked.
Trump warned that unless Mexico acts more decisively, consequences could follow, noted that illegal drugs continue to flow into the US through Mexican territory. “Mexico has to get their act together,” he said.
He said Washington remains prepared to expand operations beyond Venezuela if required.
“We were prepared to do a second strike,” Trump said, added that the option remains on the table if regional governments fail to “behave.”
Trump insisted the objective is regional stability, not occupation. “We’re in the business of having countries around us that are viable and successful,” he said.
His comments underscored the readiness to use economic pressure, military options, and blunt diplomatic warnings to reshape US relations with neighboring countries he views as threats to American security.
