On Monday, President Trump expressed his anticipation of having the “honor” of “taking Cuba,” following the acknowledgment from the island’s communist government that discussions with the United States were underway.

During a session at the White House, Trump remained ambiguous about whether any potential U.S. actions regarding Cuba would resemble its approaches to Venezuela or Iran. However, he boldly stated his belief in having unrestricted authority over the island.

“I think Cuba is seeing its end,” Trump remarked to reporters while in the Oval Office. “Throughout my life, the question has always been when the United States will take action regarding Cuba.”

The president further commented, “I believe I will have the honor of taking Cuba… that’s quite an honor.”

Clarifying his statement, Trump added, “By ‘taking Cuba,’ I mean whether I free it or take it, I feel I can do anything I want with it. They are currently a very weakened nation.”

“They’re a very weakened nation right now.” 

After Trump floated a “friendly takeover” last week, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed Friday that his government is in talks with the US. 

Díaz-Canel described the talks as being aimed at “finding ‌solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations.” 

Trump cut off discounted Venezuelan oil shipments to the island after his Jan. 3 raid on Caracas that toppled Havana’s socialist ally, Nicolás Maduro. 

The president also threatened to impose tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba.

The moves have created fuel shortages on the island that have caused widespread electricity blackouts. 

Protesters denouncing communism have also taken the streets of Havana in recent days.  

Several Cuba experts and Cuban American lawmakers believe the island’s communist government has never been in a weaker state. 

“It’s a failed nation” Trump said of Cuba. “They have no money. They have no oil. They have no nothing. They have nice land.” 

The president also praised the “very entrepreneurial people” he’s met from Cuba who have told him they would love the opportunity to reconnect with their homeland.