Trump jokes US Navy will takeover Cuba 'almost immediately' on way back from Iran

Donald Trump joked in a Palm Beach speech that a US aircraft carrier could force Cuba to surrender on its way back from Iran. The remark came as his administration continued its months-long push for sweeping changes in Cuba and amid repeated military threats.

In Short

• Trump made the remark during a Friday evening address in Palm Beach
• He described Cuba as having problems during several off-topic digressions
• He mentioned the USS Abraham Lincoln while imagining a show of force

US President Donald Trump on Friday joked that the American Navy could turn its attention to Cuba “on the way back from Iran,” in remarks that quickly drew attention amid ongoing tensions with Havana.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches in Washington, Trump made the comment during a wider speech that included several off-topic digressions.

“Cuba’s got problems,” he said, before adding a hypothetical scenario involving a US aircraft carrier approaching the island. Referring to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), Trump said it could “stop about 100 yards offshore,” prompting Cuba to concede, adding, “Thank you very much. We give up.”

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