Republican Representative María Elvira Salazar said that the Cuban people are waiting for the order from President Donald Trump to overthrow the government in Havana. 

“Republicans know you are the only person who will be able to free Cuba after 67 years of oppression, and we Republicans in South Florida are supporting you and waiting for you to take the necessary action,” the Florida Congresswoman wrote on X Tuesday. “Cubans on the island are waiting. Cubans in Miami are waiting. We are waiting for you to give the order. And it will be done.”

NEW: President Trump announces plans to talk to Cuba as the country asks the United States for help:

“No Republican has ever spoken to me about Cuba, which is a failed country and only heading in one direction – down! Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!!!” pic.twitter.com/Ryj6tqDZdS

— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 12, 2026

Salazar’s post was a response to the President saying that Cuba was a failed state and he was prepared to negotiate with the government. “No Republican has ever spoken to me about Cuba, which is a failed country and only heading in one direction – down! Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!!!” the President wrote on Truth Social. 

The White House is hoping to complete a regime change in Havana before the end of the year. Trump has threatened that Cuba will be the next target of the American military after the war in Iran ends. 

The US has attempted to cut Cuba off from energy imports. After kidnapping Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Washington forced the interim government in Caracas to halt oil shipments to Havana. The US also pressured Mexico to halt energy transfers to Cuba. 

Earlier this week, NBC News reported the White House believes that current pressure on Cuba could lead the government to fall by the end of the year. However, Trump views that timeline as insufficient and wants to complete the regime change sooner.