U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to "get Cuba done" before leaving office in 2029, adding that he would "certainly consider" military intervention against the communist-run Caribbean island.
In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday, Trump said his administration was monitoring the situation in Havana "very closely" and described Cuba as a "failed" state.
"I want to get Cuba done before I leave," Trump said. His comments marked the first time he has put a timeline on possible military intervention to topple Cuban authorities, according to Politico.
Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents are from Cuba, "would love to do it" and said he would "certainly consider" a short military operation.
It comes as the U.S. continues to enforce a comprehensive economic embargo against Cuba, a campaign which has contributed to a deepening energy and economic crisis on the island. Cuba has suffered repeated nationwide blackouts in recent months, as well as fuel and food shortages.