U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Cuba could soon face major action as he addressed leaders from across the Western Hemisphere at the “Shield of the Americas” summit held Saturday in Doral.
Speaking to representatives from more than a dozen countries, Trump praised recent U.S. military operations in the region and signalled that further geopolitical shifts could soon take place.
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“As we achieve a historic transformation in Venezuela, we’re also looking forward to the great change that will soon be coming to Cuba,” Trump said.
“Cuba’s at the end of the line. They have no money. They have no oil. They have a bad philosophy. They have a bad regime that’s been bad for a long time.”
He added that the island nation was in its “last moments of life as it was,” while suggesting it could eventually see “a great new life.”
Summit Focused on Security and Cartels
The meeting brought together regional leaders to discuss coordinated strategies aimed at combating transnational crime and strengthening border security.
During the summit, Trump formally launched the “Americas Counter Cartel Coalition,” an initiative designed to unite governments across the hemisphere against drug trafficking networks and organised crime.
“The heart of our agreement is a commitment to using lethal military force to destroy the sinister cartels and terrorist networks once and for all,” Trump said. “We’ll get rid of them. We need your help.”
The White House said the coalition would work closely with participating countries to combat drug cartels and strengthen security across the region.
Venezuela Operation Highlighted
Trump also highlighted the recent U.S. military operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, describing it as a major step in reshaping political dynamics in the region.
However, the operation has drawn criticism from some Latin American leaders, who argue that the raid represented a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Trump’s relationship with several regional leaders has been tense in recent years. He has previously criticised Mexicoover its efforts to fight drug cartels and exchanged sharp remarks with Gustavo Petro.
Despite earlier tensions, the two leaders appeared to improve relations following the January raid in Venezuela, with Petro later visiting the White House and issuing positive remarks about cooperation.
Homeland Security Shake-Up
The summit also followed a major shift within the Trump administration. The president recently removed Kristi Noemfrom her leadership role at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Noem will instead serve as a special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas” initiative, where she will work with regional governments to strengthen security partnerships.
Her final day leading the department is scheduled for March 31.
Noem told summit attendees that cooperation between countries in the Western Hemisphere will be essential in dismantling criminal organisations.
“Our objectives are going to be to destroy the cartels, to go after these narcoterrorists that are destroying our people, killing our children and our grandchildren,” she said.
She also offered to provide leaders with her personal contact information to facilitate direct communication as the initiative moves forward.
Broader Regional Impact
Trump’s comments about Cuba and the emphasis on military cooperation signal a potentially more aggressive U.S. posture toward governments in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The summit took place against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and broader international conflicts, including the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Observers say the discussions in Doral could have significant implications for diplomatic relations and security policy across the Americas in the coming months.
