Trump vows to ‘take care of Cuba,’ praises Venezuela cooperation at summit

President Trump recently launched the Shield of the Americas Summit, a gathering of Latin American leaders, with a commitment to address criminal activities by cartels. During the summit, held at his golf course in Florida, Trump promised to “take care of Cuba,” responding to requests from several leaders. This comes amid tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, and hopes among Cuban-Americans for a change in Cuba’s communist regime. The Trump administration has eased restrictions on Venezuelan oil sales to Cuba, which is facing severe fuel shortages. Trump’s comments suggest a willingness to support regime change in Cuba, similar to the U.S.-backed transition in Venezuela after the capture of its former president, Nicolás Maduro. Trump praised Venezuela’s acting-President Delcy Rodríguez for her cooperation with the U.S., highlighting improved economic conditions due to American support. QUESTION: How might U.S. involvement in Latin American politics impact relationships between countries in the region and the United States?