Trump Threatens Military Intervention in Cuba, Says He'll 'Be the One That Does It'

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly raised the prospect of U.S. military intervention in Cuba, one day after the administration announced criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. Trump stated during a press conference, 'Other presidents have looked at this for 50, 60 years, doing something... And, it looks like I'll be the one that does it.' Rubio described Cuba as a 'national security threat' and expressed doubt about diplomatic resolution, stating he was 'doubtful of diplomacy' with the island nation. The threats came amid escalated pressure including an aircraft carrier deployment off Cuba's coast and expanded sanctions. Cuba responded by telling citizens to prepare for war, intensifying fears that Trump may follow his military actions in Venezuela and Iran with intervention in Cuba.

"Other presidents have looked at this for 50, 60 years, doing something... And, it looks like I'll be the one that does it." — Trump's statement at a press conference regarding potential military intervention in Cuba, made one day after criminal charges were announced against Raúl Castro