This article examines Donald Trump's recent remarks about Cuba, where he expressed a desire for the US to exert control over the island. He implied that he could do whatever he wanted with Cuba, leaving open questions about whether he aims to unseat the current president, overthrow the communist regime, or even make Cuba the 51st state of the United States. This reflects a long-standing vision in Washington of establishing American hegemony over Cuba, which many view as a dream nearly as old as the US itself.

Historically, the relationship between Cuba and the early American colonies in the 18th century was characterized by mutual trade, with the US becoming the primary trading partner for the Spanish colony, aside from Spain itself. This early economic bond laid the groundwork for the enduring interest and interventionist policies that the US would later pursue regarding Cuba. The article delves into how these historical ties can help explain current American attitudes towards Cuba and the implications of such views on the country's political landscape.

The implications of Trump’s statements extend beyond mere rhetoric; they reflect a complex historical narrative of American interventionism in Latin America. The article suggests that whether or not Trump’s ambitions are realized, the longstanding American sentiment toward Cuba is likely to reshape future policies and discussions around US-Cuban relations, emphasizing the enduring nature of these intentions over the last two centuries.