Trump says he ‘can do anything’ he wants with Cuba

US President Donald Trump has said ‌he expects to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form”, adding that “I can do anything I want” with the neighboring country, Reuters writes.

The threatening statements come even as Cuba and the United States have opened talks aimed at improving their largely adverse relations.

“I do believe I’ll be … having the honor ​of taking Cuba. That’s a big honor. Taking Cuba in some form,” Trump said.

In late January, Trump signed an executive order that would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba. After the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, Trump stated that no more Venezuelan oil will go to Cuba and that the Cuban government is ready to fall.

Cubans are now facing serious economic challenges, including power outages lasting up to 10 hours, shortages of food and medicine, and an aviation collapse.