Inside Trump’s Quiet Plan to ‘Take’ Cuba | The Take

Why It Matters

The analysis reveals how renewed U.S. pressure could reshape Cuba’s political stability and affect regional security, making it a critical watch for policymakers and investors.

Key Takeaways

• International aid convoys protest US fuel blockade
• Cuba suffers prolonged blackouts amid US threats
• US reportedly planning covert regime change
• Podcast features journalist Ed Augustin analysis
• Production credits highlight diverse team

Pulse Analysis

The United States has intensified its economic warfare against Cuba, reinstating a fuel embargo that has crippled the island’s power grid. International humanitarian convoys, organized by NGOs and sympathetic nations, have begun delivering essential supplies to Cuban citizens as a direct response to the blockade. This aid not only alleviates immediate shortages but also serves as a symbolic rebuke of U.S. policy, underscoring the growing diplomatic rift between Washington and Havana.

Amid the scarcity, Cuban authorities are reportedly preparing for a potential military response, a move that could escalate tensions in the Caribbean. Analysts note that prolonged blackouts exacerbate public discontent, potentially destabilizing the regime that has held power for decades. The prospect of a covert U.S. operation to "take" Cuba—whether through cyber tactics, support for opposition groups, or covert paramilitary actions—adds a layer of uncertainty that could impact foreign investment, tourism, and regional trade flows.

The Take’s podcast episode, featuring journalist Ed Augustin, contextualizes these developments within a broader narrative of U.S. geopolitical strategy. By dissecting the motivations behind the fuel blockade and the likely outcomes of heightened confrontation, the program offers listeners a nuanced perspective that goes beyond headline sensationalism. For business leaders and policy experts, understanding these dynamics is essential for assessing risk, navigating regulatory environments, and anticipating shifts in the Latin American market landscape.

Original Description

International convoys are bringing aid to Cuba to protest the US fuel blockade, as Cuba continues to fend off US threats of a takeover. With Cubans continuing to live under prolonged blackouts and the government preparing for military confrontation, can the Cuban government again survive the latest US effort to overthrow it?  

In this episode: 

- Ed Augustin, Journalist

Episode credits: 

This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Sarí el-Khalili, with Catherine Nouhan, Tuleen Barakat, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke and Sarí el-Khalili. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.