Exclusive: Trump eyes surprise economic deal with Cuba

Source: USA Today.

Updated March 8, 2026, 7:57 p.m. ET


DORAL, FL – The Trump administration is preparing an economic deal with Cuba that could be announced soon, two sources with knowledge of the administration’s plans said.

The details of the prospective deal and exact timing are not known. But an agreement could include a relaxation on Americans' ability to travel to Havana. Trump would not need Congress’ approval to loosen those types of restrictions. Discussions have included an off-ramp for President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Castro family remaining on the island and deals on ports, energy and tourism. The U.S. government has floated dropping some sanctions.

After the dramatic U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and the abrupt cutoff of oil shipments, the island appeared to be the administration’s next target for regime change. But instead of a blunt-force campaign to topple Havana’s communist government, the Trump administration is advancing moves that reframe regime change through economic deals that prioritize U.S. interests, staving off an all-out confrontation.

President Barack Obama lifted some of the rules during the final years of his presidency only to see Trump put some of them back in place during his first term.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2026/03/08/trump-administration-cuba-economic-deal/89054230007/