The President noted: "They have no money. Right now they have nothing. But they are talking to us, and maybe we can friendly take over Cuba."
He also referred to Cuba as a "failed nation" that needs support from the United States.
These statements came against the backdrop of a deteriorating situation around the island, as Cuban authorities reported that a fast boat from Florida opened fire on military personnel off the northern coast of the country. As a result of the incident, according to Havana, four assailants were killed, and six were injured, including a Cuban official.
Relations between the U.S. and Cuba have remained tense for decades. Washington has maintained a trade embargo against Havana since 1962, imposed after the failure of the Bay of Pigs operation.
Additionally, last month Trump signed an order imposing tariffs on oil supplies from countries that supply it to Cuba, which occurred amid statements about the cessation of Venezuelan oil supplies to the island.
