Trump seeks to 'get Cuba done' before he leaves office

US President Donald Trump has said that he wants to "get Cuba done" before leaving office, noting he would "certainly consider" using military force against the Caribbean island nation.

Asked during an interview with the Salem News Channel on Thursday whether he would authorise military action before the end of his presidency, he said: "I want to get Cuba done before I leave."

"We're watching it very closely. It's doing very poorly. It's essentially a failed nation," Trump told reporters.

He praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents are from Cuba, saying he "would love to do that."

"I'd love to be able to do it for the people, for the Cubans that came and were treated really badly, and they came to America," he said.

'Failed state'

US administration has increased pressure on Cuba in Trump's second term.

Trump previously labelled Cuba a "failed state" at the UN General Assembly and said "freedom will be coming to Cuba," prompting a walkout by the Cuban delegation.

A US oil blockade has put the country under severe strain as it contends with fuel shortages and blackouts exacerbated by failing infrastructure.

UN human rights experts have condemned the oil blockade as a violation of international law.

TRT World & Agencies — TRT World & Agencies

Photo: Reuters Archive