Trump Eyes Cuba: Deja Vu All Over Again?

Published on: Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT
Original Story: Opinion | Trump says Cuba will be ‘next.’ Here’s what he doesn’t get. – The Washington Post

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Trump’s Cuban Rhapsody: A Border Story?

So, Trump’s back at it again, folks. This time, he’s got his sights set on Cuba, promising (or threatening, depending on your perspective and tolerance for recycled rhetoric) some unspecified action. According to that rag, *The Washington Post*, he “doesn’t get it.” Well, shocker. But let’s be real, “getting it” has never really been a prerequisite for anything in Trump’s world, has it? It’s more about the vibes, the drama, the sheer, unadulterated spectacle. And honestly, as a jaded elder millennial watching the world burn, I’m almost impressed by the consistency. Almost.

But where does Cuba fit into “The Border & Extreme Vetting”? Buckle up, because it’s a roundabout connection, I know. Trump, in his infinite wisdom, often conflates all things foreign with some kind of existential threat to the sacred American border. It’s like he thinks every island nation is secretly plotting to send hordes of… well, *something*… to wreak havoc on our precious heartland. Never mind the complexities of international relations, historical context, or the actual lived experiences of people in Cuba. Nope. It’s all just one big, boogeyman-filled border crisis waiting to happen. Remember when he wanted to build a wall and make *Mexico* pay for it? Good times. Good times.

A History of Hemispheric Hysteria

Let’s not forget Trump’s previous pronouncements on Cuba. Remember back in 2016, during his campaign, he promised to reverse Obama’s opening to Cuba unless the Castro regime met his (vague and ever-shifting) demands? He postured, he threatened, he generally made a lot of noise. Then, after winning, he did roll back some of Obama’s policies, tightening restrictions on travel and trade. But a full reversal? Nah. Too much effort, I guess. Plus, someone probably whispered to him that cigars are really, really good.

And here’s where the hypocrisy really shines. In 2015, before he was even a serious contender (remember those halcyon days?), Trump actually said he thought the *idea* of opening up relations with Cuba was “fine.” He even admitted he had “looked at” doing business there himself! So, what changed? Besides, you know, the entire political landscape and his burning desire to undo anything Obama ever touched? Suddenly, Cuba was a hotbed of evil, a threat to national security, a… border issue? It’s truly baffling how a man can so brazenly contradict himself and still maintain a loyal following. Maybe it’s the hats. Those red hats are powerful stuff.

The Border Connection: It’s All About the Narrative

The connection to “The Border & Extreme Vetting” isn’t really about geography or actual migration patterns. It’s about the narrative. Trump paints a picture of a world constantly trying to invade and undermine America. Cuba, in this narrative, becomes another potential source of “undesirables,” a place from which dangerous people might try to sneak across our borders. It’s a scare tactic, plain and simple. It plays on fears of the unknown, anxieties about cultural change, and good old-fashioned xenophobia. And unfortunately, it works.

Extreme Vetting: Because Everyone is a Suspect

And let’s not forget the “Extreme Vetting” aspect. Trump loves to talk about how we need to be super careful about who we let into this country. Every immigrant is a potential terrorist, every refugee a potential drain on resources, every Cuban… well, who knows what nefarious schemes they’re cooking up on that island! It’s a blanket suspicion of anyone who isn’t a born-and-bred American (preferably one who also owns a MAGA hat). This “extreme vetting” is, of course, incredibly discriminatory and often based on flimsy evidence or outright falsehoods. But hey, when has accuracy ever been a priority?

The Real Issues (That Nobody Seems to Care About)

Meanwhile, the actual issues facing Cuba – the economic hardship, the political repression, the lack of basic freedoms – get completely glossed over. It’s all about how Cuba might affect *us*, not about the lives of the Cuban people themselves. It’s a deeply selfish and shortsighted approach to foreign policy, but it’s also par for the course. We’re so busy worrying about imaginary threats that we completely ignore the real suffering happening right in front of us. And that, my friends, is a tragedy.

The Political Games

Let’s be blunt. This whole Cuba thing is likely just political theater. Trump needs to fire up his base, remind them why they love him, and distract them from whatever scandal is currently brewing. What better way to do that than by dusting off an old enemy and making some vague, ominous pronouncements? It’s a classic Trump move: predictable, cynical, and probably effective.

What’s Next? (Probably More of the Same)

So, what can we expect from Trump’s renewed interest in Cuba? More sanctions? More threats? More empty promises? Probably all of the above. He might even try to stage some kind of dramatic intervention, just to prove he’s still in charge. Whatever he does, it’s unlikely to be based on any kind of coherent strategy or genuine concern for the Cuban people. It’ll be about Trump, plain and simple. And we’ll all be forced to watch, shaking our heads and wondering how we got here. Again.

Snarky Takeaway

Honestly, at this point, I’m starting to think Trump just picks countries out of a hat. “Cuba today? Sure, why not? Sounds vaguely threatening.” As long as it keeps the base riled up and the cameras rolling, he’s happy. And we’re all doomed to relive this same circus over and over again. Pass the rum (ironically, probably Cuban). I need a drink.

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