On Tuesday, March 17, the collapse of Cuba’s entire power grid entered its second day, with many areas still experiencing power outages. Former White House officials predicted that the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” strategy could lead to a historic change in Cuba in the “coming weeks.”
Meanwhile, the streets of Havana were shrouded in the shadow of war mobilization, with the public openly expressing a desire to engage in dialogue with the Trump administration. Prior to this, President Trump mentioned the possibility of a “friendly takeover” of this Caribbean nation.
Former White House National Security Council (NSC) staffer Alex Gray, in an interview with Fox News, pointed out that with Trump ramping up pressure on the Cuban communist regime, the United States may be on the brink of a breakthrough in the Cuban situation.
Gray contrasted Trump’s strategy with that of previous administrations, criticizing the policies during the Obama era for essentially “strengthening the regime” and allowing it to persist.
Gray optimistically predicted, “I believe that in the next few weeks, the Cuban people may have the opportunity to experience the freedom that Trump can bring to them for the first time in 70 years.”
“I think the most ideal scenario is for President Trump to do what previous presidents couldn’t, which is to force Cuba to change its behavior and governance,” he said. “I believe that the issues Trump sees now, previous U.S. presidents have seen them too, but they did nothing.”
Regarding the Cuban government blaming the energy collapse on U.S. sanctions, a senior U.S. State Department official sternly refuted this claim. The official told NewsNation that the deteriorating humanitarian situation is not caused by U.S. sanctions but is a symbol of the regime’s long-standing failures.
“Widespread blackouts have been a norm in Cuba for many years – a sign of the incompetent failed regime that cannot even provide basic goods and services to its people,” the official stated. “This is the tragic result of over sixty years of communist rule. The once pearl of the Caribbean has fallen into extreme poverty and darkness.”
U.S. officials reiterated that the Cuban authorities should reach an agreement with the U.S. to promote political and economic liberalization in exchange for lifting sanctions.
“As President Trump said, the remnants of that regime should reach an agreement and, with U.S. assistance, finally allow the Cuban people to enjoy freedom and prosperity,” the official said.
In Havana, despite facing a complete island-wide blackout, people are paying attention to American statements through various channels.
Cuban state television has recently been broadcasting propaganda for the “War of the Entire People” defense strategy, showing images of civilians of all ages and body types training alongside armed forces in preparation to repel possible invasions.
However, public official Mariana Alvarez, 50, emphasized in an interview with Reuters, “We, as people, as civilians, are not prepared for war.”
While Trump confirmed that Cuba is in contact with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Cuban people remain concerned about the prospects of negotiations, hoping the two countries can avoid war and resolve deep divisions at the negotiating table.
Resident Barbara Rodriguez, 58, reflected the fatigue of most people towards the current situation, pointing out that the escalating fuel blockade has led to stagnation in development.
Luis Enrique Garcia, 55, stated that dialogue is crucial. He mentioned the example of Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez. Since former leader Maduro was arrested by the U.S. military, she has largely cooperated with the United States.
Garcia said, “As she said, ‘I do not want my country to go to war, let’s talk.'”