As reports emerged of Cuba's communist regime on the verge of collapse, U.S. lawmakers urged the Trump administration to exert maximum economic and diplomatic pressure on Havana.

They argued that now is the time to accelerate moves towards freedom on the island.

According to the New York Post, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Feb. 2 (local time) that "we are looking at a failed state," noting that Cuba is no longer receiving oil subsidies from its long-time patron Venezuela and is on the brink of an energy crisis.

"They are not getting money from anyone," he said.

President Trump hinted at his intention to pursue regime change in Cuba before the end of the year, and given the worsening economic situation and rising public discontent, Trump is likely to seize the opportunity.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged the dire situation in an unusual press conference, admitting that the government may soon struggle to ensure electricity supply or "basic activities" amidst severe fuel shortages.

He expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington but rejected negotiations on sovereignty issues, stating that Cuba is preparing a "defense plan" in case tensions escalate.

"We are not currently at war, but we are preparing for a situation where we may have to go to war," Diaz-Canel said.

The president's remarks came as imports of Mexican fuel, which had been a temporary stopgap after Venezuela's production dwindled, sharply declined.

According to Wall Street Journal data, Mexico's crude oil exports to Cuba plummeted from about 20,000 barrels per day in 2025 to 3,000 barrels per day this year.

President Trump has expressed his desire to completely halt Cuba's oil exports, a move that Cuban officials warn could push its already struggling economy into collapse.

Cuban-American lawmakers who fled the Castro regime in their youth, such as Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), say that the only historically successful policy against dictatorships is increased pressure.

"Zero tolerance and full pressure are needed," said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), arguing that diplomatic and economic leverage is key to ending the Castro dynasty.

Analysts say that the Cuban economy, long dependent on Venezuela's support, will rapidly deteriorate without oil, which could hasten political change.

"Without external support, there is no one to save them from their own economic incompetence," said Professor Sebastian Arcos of Florida International University in an interview with the New York Post.

Amidst reports that the White House is in contact with unexpected figures within the regime, such as Alejandro Castro Espin, son of former Cuban leader Raul Castro, President Trump has suggested that any agreement would be a stepping stone for Cuba to "become free again."

The New York Post reported that Washington might be considering a naval blockade to cut off future fuel supplies.

Critics warn that a power vacuum could invite unwanted influence from adversarial nations like Russia or China, but conservative lawmakers insist that now is the time to apply strong pressure on the failing regime.

"This regime has destroyed the island," said Rep. Gimenez. "There is no electricity, no food, no medicine. The island is finished. It is time for them to leave."

U.S. NNP=Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter / Special Dispatch NNP info@newsandpost.com