HAVANA — Cuba is grappling with a major power blackout as the island faces mounting economic pressure from a U.S.-imposed oil embargo, while President Donald Trump on Monday made explicit threats against the country.
The Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE) reported a “complete shutdown of the national grid,” forcing authorities to begin restoring electricity to the 9.6 million residents of the island. Power shortages, which had already caused daily outages of up to 20 hours in some areas, have worsened since U.S. sanctions cut off oil imports earlier this year.
Trump, speaking at the White House, suggested he may “take” Cuba, saying the weakened nation could be “handled” by his administration. He also indicated that a potential deal with Cuba might follow the U.S. conflict with Iran.
The Cuban government is under pressure on multiple fronts: the energy crisis has forced airlines to reduce flights, disrupted the tourism sector, and prompted gasoline rationing and limited hospital services. Economic relief measures include allowing Cuban exiles to invest and own businesses on the island, according to Oscar Perez-Oliva, Cuba’s deputy prime minister.
Public frustration has grown, with protests erupting in towns such as Moron, where demonstrators vandalized a Communist Party office. Fourteen people were arrested in connection with the incident. President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged public discontent over blackouts but condemned acts of violence.
Trump administration officials have reportedly signaled to Cuban authorities a desire for Diaz-Canel to step down, while emphasizing the embargo is a response to what the U.S. perceives as an “extraordinary threat” from Cuba.
Cuba now faces the dual challenge of restoring essential services amid crippling sanctions and addressing growing unrest among its citizens.
