United States President Donald Trump has drawn attention after making a remark suggesting that Cuba could be “taken over very quickly”, delivered in a joking tone during a public event in Florida.
According to a report by Fox News, the comments were made on Friday while Trump was speaking at the Forum Club in Palm Beach, Florida. During his address, he was introducing attendees and referred to former congressman Dan Meeker. In doing so, he mentioned Meeker’s background and said he was originally from “a place called Cuba”, adding that “we are going to take it over very quickly”.
Trump’s statement was presented in a light, humorous manner, rather than as a formal policy announcement. He went on to say that Cuba has “some problems”, and remarked that he prefers to complete one task before moving on to another, stating that he likes to “get things finished”.
The remarks came as part of a broader speech in which Trump also discussed United States military capabilities. He referred to the strength and global presence of the US armed forces and mentioned the possibility of deploying a major naval vessel, reportedly the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, towards Cuban waters after returning from Iran.
Continuing in a joking tone, he suggested that if such a warship were positioned close to the Cuban coastline, the situation could resolve itself quickly, implying that those onshore might surrender if confronted with overwhelming military presence. He said the vessel could be placed very close to the shore, at which point “they might say thank you very much, we surrender”.
The comments, as reported, were not presented as part of any official diplomatic or military directive. They were made during a public speaking engagement in a conversational setting.
Summary of Key Remarks
| Context |
Content of Remark |
Setting |
| Introduction of Dan Meeker |
Referred to Cuba as Meeker’s place of origin and said it would be “taken over very quickly” |
Forum Club, Palm Beach, Florida |
| General comment on Cuba |
Said Cuba has “some problems” and emphasised completing tasks one at a time |
Same speech |
| Military discussion |
Mentioned possible deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln towards Cuba after Iran-related travel |
Same speech |
| Joking scenario |
Suggested a warship close to shore could lead to immediate surrender |
Same speech |
The remarks were made in a public forum setting and were framed in a humorous tone throughout the address.
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