Washington D.C. – Following a White House celebration honoring Inter Miami CF’s 2025 MLS Cup victory, former President Donald Trump’s remarks have sparked renewed speculation about his administration’s potential foreign policy direction, particularly concerning Cuba. Although the event was ostensibly to recognize the team’s athletic achievement, Trump dedicated a significant portion of his address to the ongoing conflict in Iran and, notably, to the political situation in Cuba, suggesting the island nation is on the cusp of significant change. This has prompted questions about whether Cuba could become the next focus of his administration’s attention, building on a history of shifting US-Cuba relations.
The event, held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, saw Trump flanked by Lionel Messi and Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, just hours after removing Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem from her position. Trump’s comments, even though, quickly diverged from the celebratory tone, pivoting to a lengthy discussion of geopolitical issues. The juxtaposition of a sporting triumph with serious discussions of international conflict has drawn attention from analysts and observers alike. The former president’s focus on Cuba, in particular, has raised eyebrows, given the complex and often fraught history between the two nations.
Trump’s Remarks on Cuba: “Ready to Fall”?
During the event, Trump alluded to a potential shift in US policy towards Cuba, stating the island was “ready to fall,” though he did not elaborate on what that might entail. This statement, coupled with recent hints at a possible “takeover,” as reported by some outlets, has fueled speculation about a more assertive approach to the Cuban government. The former president also referenced a co-owner of Inter Miami being originally from Cuba, though he did not specify which co-owner he was referring to. Jorge Mas, a prominent figure in the team’s ownership group, was born in Miami to Cuban parents.
This isn’t the first time Trump has signaled a potential change in Cuba policy. Throughout his previous presidency, his administration implemented a series of measures restricting travel and remittances to Cuba, reversing some of the progress made under the Obama administration. These policies were largely aimed at pressuring the Cuban government to improve its human rights record and address concerns about its support for Venezuela’s socialist government. The Trump administration also actively courted Cuban-American voters in Florida, a key swing state, by taking a hard line against the Cuban regime.
The Iran Conflict Takes Center Stage
Before addressing Inter Miami’s victory, Trump devoted a considerable amount of time to discussing the situation in Iran, framing it as a military success for the United States and Israel. He claimed that the U.S. Military, “together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule,” and asserted that they were “destroying more of Iran’s missiles and drone capability every single hour.” He further stated, “We want to fight now more than they do,” and referenced “47 years of horror with this group,” likely referring to the Islamic Republic of Iran. These statements reflect a continuation of Trump’s hawkish stance towards Iran, a position he consistently maintained throughout his previous term in office.
The focus on Iran, while seemingly unrelated to the soccer team’s achievement, underscores Trump’s tendency to use public platforms to address geopolitical concerns. The timing of these remarks, following a significant political move within his administration – the ousting of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem – suggests a deliberate attempt to project strength and decisiveness on the international stage. The connection between the two topics remains unclear, but it highlights Trump’s broader strategy of linking domestic political events to his foreign policy agenda.
A History of US-Cuba Relations
The relationship between the United States and Cuba has been marked by decades of tension and conflict, stemming from the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and the subsequent establishment of a communist government under Fidel Castro. The US imposed a comprehensive economic embargo on Cuba in 1962, which remains in place today, although with some modifications. The embargo has been a major point of contention between the two countries, with Cuba consistently condemning it as a violation of its sovereignty and a hindrance to its economic development.
Under President Barack Obama, the US and Cuba began a process of normalization in 2014, reopening embassies and easing travel and trade restrictions. However, the Trump administration reversed many of these changes, citing concerns about Cuba’s human rights record and its support for Venezuela. The Biden administration has taken some steps to restore aspects of the Obama-era policies, but the embargo remains largely intact. The New York Times reports that Trump also mentioned tariffs, relations with Cuba, and his friendship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the event.
Potential Implications of a Renewed Focus on Cuba
A more assertive US policy towards Cuba under a second Trump administration could grab several forms. These could include further tightening of the embargo, increased support for opposition groups, and potentially even more direct intervention in Cuban affairs. However, any such actions would likely face significant international criticism and could further destabilize the region. The situation is complicated by Cuba’s close ties with Russia and China, which could provide support to the Cuban government in the face of increased US pressure.
a shift in US policy towards Cuba could have significant implications for the Cuban people. While proponents of a hard line argue that it is necessary to pressure the government to improve its human rights record, critics contend that it only serves to exacerbate the economic hardship faced by ordinary Cubans. The impact of US policy on the Cuban economy is a complex and controversial issue, with differing perspectives on the effectiveness of various approaches.
Trump’s Mention of a Deal with Cuba
Adding another layer of complexity, Trump also suggested that the US and Cuba could soon reach a deal, following the conclusion of matters related to Iran, as reported by PBS NewsHour. He made this comment after Senator Marco Rubio had finished speaking about Iran. The nature of this potential deal remains entirely unclear, but it suggests that Trump may be considering a more pragmatic approach to Cuba, even as he maintains a critical stance towards the Cuban government. This apparent contradiction highlights the unpredictable nature of Trump’s foreign policy decision-making.
The former president’s comments came after his son, Barron, reportedly met with Lionel Messi earlier in the day. This personal connection, while seemingly insignificant, underscores Trump’s penchant for incorporating personal anecdotes into his public statements. The Inter Miami team secured its first MLS Cup title by defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps in December 2025.
What’s Next?
The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of US-Cuba relations. As Trump continues to campaign for the presidency, his statements and actions regarding Cuba will be closely watched by policymakers, analysts, and the Cuban people. The next key event to watch will be any further statements from the former president regarding his Cuba policy, as well as any potential actions taken by his administration if he is re-elected. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, but one thing is clear: Cuba is likely to remain a significant focus of US foreign policy in the years to come.
The full transcript of Donald Trump’s remarks during the event is available on the Roll Call factbase. Roll Call provides a detailed record of his comments, offering further insight into his views on Cuba and other pressing issues.
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