Venezuela live updates: Multiple detained Americans released, State Department says
President Donald Trump is urging Cuba to strike a deal with the United States “before it’s too late,” as he works to maintain influence in the region following the recent raid on Venezuela. In a social media post, Trump declared, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”
The President’s call to action comes as he continues to issue warnings that the U.S. could take punitive measures against Cuba similar to those taken against Venezuela. Trump has been escalating tensions in the region and is keen on leveraging U.S. power to secure favorable outcomes for American interests.
In a recent development, Trump softened his stance towards Colombia after a productive phone call with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Petro is scheduled to visit the White House this week, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries.
Furthermore, Trump claimed that most of the Cuban operatives providing security and intelligence services to Venezuela are now deceased following the U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Trump alleged that Cuba had benefited from Venezuela’s oil and money for years in exchange for providing security services to the Venezuelan dictators. However, he asserted that this arrangement is no longer sustainable, with many Cuban operatives purportedly eliminated in the recent U.S. attack.
The President’s aggressive stance towards Cuba and Venezuela underscores his administration’s commitment to asserting American power and influence in the region. As tensions continue to simmer, the international community watches closely to see how these geopolitical dynamics unfold.
In other news, President Trump attended a meeting with oil executives in the East Room of the White House on January 9, 2026, showcasing his administration’s focus on energy policy and industry partnerships.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
-ABC News’ Isabella Murray
