Trump hints at possibility of "friendly takeover" of Cuba

Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba. He told reporters at the White House that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is dealing with this issue at a "very high level."

"The Cuban government is negotiating with us and has big problems," Trump said as he left the White House for Texas. "They have no money. They have nothing right now, but they are negotiating with us, and maybe there will be a friendly takeover of Cuba."

Trump described Cuba as a failing country in need of change, adding that he has been hearing about the country's problems since childhood.

"I see it happening. Marco Rubio is dealing with it at a very high level," he said. "They have no money, no oil, no food. It's a country in deep trouble right now, and they want our help," he said.

The Cuban government has denied that it is conducting high-level negotiations with the United States. At the same time, however, it has not denied reports that US officials may be conducting informal talks with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban President Raúl Castro.

(reuters, luc)