• President Trump pressure on Cuba, declaring -no more Venezuelan oil or money will be sent 
• Expressed desire to acquire Greenland, strategic importance, and concerns of Russian or Chinese influence 
• Its geopolitical position, its natural resources and the potential northern shipping routes around it. 
• “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” 

 

U.S. President Donald Trump Intensifies Pressure on Cuba and Revives Interest in Acquiring Greenland 

As of January 11, 2026, President Donald Trump has escalated U.S. foreign policy actions in the Western Hemisphere and Arctic regions. Following the recent U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, Trump has turned his focus to Cuba, declaring an end to Venezuelan oil and financial support for the island. Simultaneously, Trump has renewed his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, emphasizing its critical role in U.S. national security amid growing competition from Russia and China in the Arctic. 

Trump’s Actions Against Cuba 

Recent Developments 

President Donald Trump has intensified his stance against Cuba in the wake of Nicolás Maduro’s ousting. He announced that Cuba will no longer receive Venezuelan oil or financial support, which has been crucial for its economy. In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.” This indicates a potential major shift in U.S.-Cuba relations, with Trump urging Havana to negotiate with the United States. 

Economic Impact on Cuba 

Cuba has heavily relied on Venezuelan oil, receiving about 26,500 to 35,000 barrels per day, which accounted for roughly 50% of its oil deficit. The cessation of this supply is expected to worsen Cuba’s already struggling economy, characterized by severe shortages, blackouts, and long lines for basic goods. The Cuban government has stated that U.S. sanctions have cost them over $7.5 billion in recent years. No shipments have departed Venezuelan ports to Cuba since Maduro’s capture, amid a strict U.S. oil blockade on Venezuela. 

U.S. Policy Direction 

The Trump administration’s approach includes a strict oil blockade on Venezuela, aiming to control its oil distribution and limit support to Cuba. This policy is part of a broader strategy to weaken the Cuban regime, which has been described as a “failing dictatorship.” While Trump has suggested that military action against Cuba is not currently necessary, the administration’s rhetoric indicates a willingness to apply significant pressure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has echoed this hardline view, noting Cuba’s alliance with U.S. adversaries. 

Responses from Cuba 

Cuban officials have rejected Trump’s claims, asserting their right to import fuel from any willing suppliers. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the threats, stating that Cuba is a “free, independent and sovereign nation” and that “no one tells us what to do.” He added that the island is “ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood.” Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez emphasized that Cuba will defend its sovereignty against U.S. interference. The Cuban government is preparing for the economic challenges ahead as it navigates this new geopolitical landscape. 

Trump’s Interest in Greenland 

Reasons for Interest 

Greenland’s strategic importance stems from three interconnected factors, accentuated by the climate crisis: its geopolitical position, its natural resources, and the potential northern shipping routes around it. 

• Strategic Location: Greenland lies between North America and Europe, astride the so-called GIUK gap—a maritime passage between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK that links the Arctic to the Atlantic Ocean. This location makes it essential for controlling access to the North Atlantic, for both trade and security. It hosts U.S. military facilities like Pituffik Space Base, vital for early warning systems against missile attacks and monitoring Russian naval movements. 

• Natural Resources: The island is rich in minerals, including rare earth elements, uranium, oil, gas, zinc, iron, copper, nickel, cobalt, graphite, niobium, neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium. These resources are crucial for manufacturing electric cars, wind turbines, military equipment, and high-tech gadgets. China dominates the rare earth industry, making Greenland’s deposits strategically valuable for U.S. supply chain resilience. 

• Northern Shipping Routes: Melting Arctic ice due to climate change makes northern shipping routes, such as the Northwest Passage and Transpolar Sea Route, navigable for more of the year, with implications for both trade and security. 

Trump has downplayed the significance of Greenland’s natural resources, telling reporters last month: “We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals.” However, his former national security adviser Mike Waltz suggested in January 2024 that Trump’s focus was on natural resources, telling Fox News that the administration’s focus on Greenland was “about critical minerals” and “natural resources.” 

Proposed Actions 

Trump has suggested various ways to acquire Greenland, including: 

• Purchase: The U.S. administration has considered buying Greenland from Denmark, although Denmark has stated the territory is not for sale. 

• Military Action: Trump has hinted at the possibility of using military force if necessary, stating that the U.S. will “do something on Greenland whether they like it or not.” The White House has indicated that “all options” are on the table, including military intervention, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed imminent invasion, focusing on purchase. 

• Financial Incentives: There have been discussions about offering payments to Greenland’s residents to encourage support for U.S. control. 

In a December 2024 social media post, Trump declared: “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” He reiterated this after Maduro’s capture, claiming, “Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” and that Denmark cannot secure it. 

Reactions 

• Opposition from Greenland: Greenland’s leaders have expressed strong opposition, emphasizing self-determination. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called the rhetoric “completely unacceptable” and “disrespectful,” stating, “No more fantasies of annexation. We are open to dialogue… but they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law.” Greenlanders have responded by reasserting their identity, with one leader saying, “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.” 

• International Concerns: Denmark and other NATO allies have warned that military action would jeopardize the transatlantic defense alliance and violate sovereignty principles. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that attacking a NATO country would end the alliance. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain, and Denmark issued a joint statement: “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.” They affirmed that Arctic security must be upheld collectively through NATO. 

• Broader Context: The U.S., China, and Russia are competing in the Arctic, with Russia viewing it as vital to its defense and China pursuing a “polar silk road.” 

Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland and pressure on Cuba reflect a complex interplay of geopolitical strategy, economic interests, and local sentiments, amid heightened global tensions in 2026. 

Sources 

• The White House 
• President Donald Trump 
• Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel 
• Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez 
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio 

 

Author Ryan Bridglal, 01/11/2026 

 

 

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