Jimmy Buffett sang about “Havana Daydreamin’”; and Pete Seeger rhapsodized about “Guantanamera” — his Cuban woman.

I’m old enough to remember when Cuba was a popular vacation destination for Americans in search of the world’s best rum and cigars, and a rip-roaring good time. Then came the revolution.

And after that, there was the alliance with this guy:

It was, of course, all downhill from there. And today, Cuba is in dire straits, in no small part exacerbated by Donald Trump’s sanctions, his oil blockade, and his designation of the island nation as a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” — all designed to ease the way to realizing his ultimate goal: the addition of Cuba to his growing list of Mergers and Acquisitions.

And this week — as Trump was winging his way to China with a few members of his administration, a couple of family hangers-on, and a slew of billionaires looking for their next fortunes — CIA Director John Ratcliffe and his delegation headed to Havana to meet with Cuban government officials. A statement from the Cuban government read as follows:

“Following the request submitted by the US government that a delegation presided over by the CIA Director John Ratcliffe be received in Havana, the Revolutionary Directorate approved the realization of this visit and the meeting with its counterpart from the Ministry of the Interior.” [Patrick Oppmann, Hira Humayun and Michael Rios, CNN, May 14, 2026.]

A couple of days earlier, Trump had hinted that his administration was preparing to talk with Cuba, which he called a “failed country” seeking help in solving its economic crisis. He posted on Truth Social:

“Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!!! In the meantime, I’m off to China!” [Id.]

The State Department has said that the U.S. would offer Cuba $100 million in aid . . . to carry out “meaningful reforms to Cuba’s communist system.” [Id.]

(Is it my imagination, or does that sound eerily like Trump’s demands for regime change in Venezuela and Iran?)

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded on X that, while Cuba would be open to receiving aid from the United States, “lifting or easing the blockade” would be preferable. [Id.]

What Trump is ultimately up to is obvious: control of yet another country . . . and this time, one situated just 93 miles from the coast of Florida. But why send in the CIA? Why not the State Department, or that shrewd negotiating team of Witkoff and Kushner?

Or almost anyone else?

Those of my generation remember all too well what happened when the CIA stuck its nose into Cuba 65 years ago. Maybe they’ve learned from their earlier mistakes . . . but this still makes me nervous.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/15/26