Will Trump invade Cuba?
5/22/202640 min
What is President Trump’s plan for the future of Cuba? His oil blockade has crippled the island’s economy and could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. He has indicted former President Raul Castro for murder and put sanctions on Cuba’s military leaders, but what might be his next steps? Is he thinking about using the Venezuela playbook and snatching the 94 year old leader?
In this episode, Sarah and Anthony discuss what Trump’s options are in Cuba and whether military action is feasible and likely.
We also hear from Carlos Cubelo - a former Republican Congressman from Florida who is the son of Cuban immigrants and ask what do Cuban Americans think about Trump’s course of action?
HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
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This episode was made by Tom Gillett, Grace Reeve and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSarah Smith· Host0:00
Does Donald Trump have a plan for Cuba? And if he does, what might it be? We've already seen a big escalation this week because the US has charged Raul Castro, the 94-year-old former leader, with four counts of murder in a case that dates all the way back to 1996. Add to that Trump's economic blockade of the island, which is causing a really dire humanitarian situation in Cuba. Does this all add up to the United States trying to force a change of government in Havana? Well, we will go through all the various political maneuverings and get a sense of what's actually going on behind the headlines, and try and work out if Donald Trump is close to a Cuban takeover. Welcome to Americast.
Anthony Zurcher· Host0:39
Americast. Americast from BBC News.
Donald Trump· Soundbite0:44
You hear that sound? Oh, I think when I hear that sound, it reminds me of money.
Todd Blanche· Soundbite0:49
We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it.
Donald Trump· Soundbite0:54
This is a big cover-up, and this administration is engaged in it.
Todd Blanche· Soundbite0:57
This guy has Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Anthony Zurcher· Host0:59
I have four words for you. Turn the volume up.
Sarah Smith· Host1:05
Hello, it's Sarah here in the BBC's Washington Bureau.
Anthony Zurcher· Host1:11
And it's Anthony right next to Sarah here in Washington, DC.
Sarah Smith· Host1:13
And we're gonna be joined a little bit later in the podcast by Carlos Curbelo, who you're gonna be talking to, Anthony, aren't you? Former Republican congressman from Florida, who is the son of Cuban exiles.
Anthony Zurcher· Host1:23
Yeah, he's gonna be able to shed some light, uh, on how the Cuban exile community in South Florida views the latest developments,