US President Donald Trump has said he expects to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form,” claiming he could do “anything I want” with the Caribbean nation.

Trump made the remarks on Monday in the Oval Office despite ongoing talks between Washington and Havana as the island grapples with a deepening energy crisis and widespread blackouts amid a US oil blockade.

“I do believe I’ll be… having the honor of taking Cuba. That’s a big honor,” Trump said, adding: “Taking Cuba in some form.”

Pressed by reporters, Trump said the US could take different actions toward the island. “Whether I free it, take it. I think I can do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth,” he said, without elaborating.

Trump spoke as Cuba plunged into a nationwide blackout on Monday. Nearly 11 million people were left without electricity as fuel shortages strain the country’s aging power stations.

Following the US president’s comments, the New York Times reported that American officials have signaled in negotiations that removing Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel could be a key objective in bilateral talks, though Washington has not publicly confirmed the demand.

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https://www.rt.com/news/635298-trmp-cuba-new-threat/