Trump Administration Nears Economic Deal with Cuba, Sources Say

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is preparing an economic deal with Cuba that could be announced soon, according to reporting by USA Today citing two unidentified sources with knowledge of the plans.

The prospective agreement may include relaxing restrictions on Americans' ability to travel to Havana, dropping some sanctions, and deals involving ports, energy, and tourism. Discussions have also explored an off-ramp for Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the Castro family remaining on the island. Trump would not need congressional approval for certain measures, such as easing travel rules.

Trump confirmed ongoing negotiations during the Shield of the Americas summit in Doral, Florida, on March 7, stating Cuba is "at the end of the line" with no money or oil, and that talks involve Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "They want to negotiate, and they are negotiating with Marco and myself and some others, and I would think a deal would be made very easily with Cuba," Trump said.

The push follows U.S. economic pressure on Cuba, including blocking Venezuelan oil shipments after Maduro's ouster in January 2026, leading to power blackouts and shortages on the island. Cuban President Díaz-Canel announced urgent economic reforms on March 9 amid the crisis.

The deal aligns with Trump's broader Western Hemisphere strategy, including the Shield of the Americas initiative to combat cartels, and could normalize relations severed in 2019. Critics question the timing amid the Iran conflict, but supporters see it as boosting U.S. regional influence.

Details and exact timing remain unclear, but sources indicate an announcement could come within weeks.