U.S. President Donald Trump reacts during an event to sign an executive order creating an anti‑fraud task force headed by U.S. Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 16, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Political analysts and observers were stunned on Monday after President Donald Trump casually dropped a threat to start a new war during a press conference in the Oval Office.
During an exchange with Peter Doocy of Fox News, Trump said he will take Cuba "in some form" at some point during his presidency.
"All my life, I have been hearing about the United States and Cuba. You know, 'When are they going to do it?'" Trump said. "I do believe I will be having the honor of taking Cuba. That's a big honor."
"Whether I free it, take it. I think I can do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth," Trump added.
The president's comments stunned political analysts and observers, who shared their reactions online.
"Dear god," David Adler, co-general coordinator of Progressive International, posted on X. "Donald Trump is once again announcing his plans for a violent invasion of Cuba. We must stop him. To stand up for Cuba — against this malignant colonial mindset — is to stand up for all of humanity."
"Like a small child talking about toys," Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic, posted on X.
"Every word uttered here is stark raving lunacy," retired Army officer Mike Colarusso posted on Bluesky.
"Hmmm … wonder if a certain dual-hatted Secretary of State/National Security Advisor has been playing to POTUS’s real estate developer instincts," Brian Finucane, senior advisor at International Crisis Group, posted on Bluesky.