At the SHIELD of America Summit, President Trump signed a declaration committing to combating cartel criminal activity.
Rebecca Blackwell/AP
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Rebecca Blackwell/AP
President Trump on Saturday opened a summit of the Shield of the Americas — a coalition of Latin American leaders — with a pledge to “take care of Cuba” as the United States ramps up its intervention in the region.
“Many of you come in today and they say, ‘I hope you can take care of Cuba.’ Because you have problems with Cuba, right? ” Trump told a meeting of Latin American leaders.
“I was surprised, but the four of you said, ‘Can you do us a favor?’ Take care of Cuba.’ I’ll take care of it, okay?” He continued to be applauded by the crowd.
The meeting was attended by the leaders of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago. The event was held at Trump National Doral Miami Golf Course in Doral, Florida.
His comments follow tensions between Cuba and the US, and many Cuban-Americans are hoping for a change in the communist nation’s regime.
The Trump administration has eased the embargo on Venezuelan oil, allowing some private sector oil sales to Cuba. According to the Associated Press, the country has been experiencing fuel shortages and blackouts that have left millions without power.
After the United States captured and imprisoned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, Trump’s stance on foreign interference by those seeking to topple the Cuban government is a sign that the U.S. may help oust Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Speaking about the change in leadership in Venezuela since Maduro’s capture, Trump praised acting-President Delsy Rodriguez for her cooperation with the United States.
“She’s doing a good job because she’s working with us. If she’s not working with us, I wouldn’t say she’s doing a good job. In fact, she’s not working with us, she’s doing a very poor job, unacceptable, but she’s doing a good job,” Trump said.
He continued that due to US aid, Venezuela’s economic picture will be considerably brighter due to US oil exports and upcoming gold and mineral transactions.
Trump hailed Maduro’s leadership transition as a model for regime change.
