Hegseth’s visit to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, comes as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on the Cuban government.
Published June 10, 2026
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that any attempt by Cuba to strengthen its military with new purchases could lead to a conflict with the United States.
Wednesday’s comments came as US President Donald Trump continues to threaten possible military intervention on the Caribbean island.
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“It would be unwise for the Cuban government to try to procure or obtain any type of weaponry that could reach this base or the American mainland,” Hegseth said during a visit to the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
“It would lead to a conflict that they not only don’t want, but can’t tolerate. No country on earth can match the capabilities of the United States.”
Hegseth did not specify specifically what kind of military weapons Cuba is seeking.
However, his remarks follow a May report by news agency Axios that said the country had acquired more than 300 military drones that could be used against the US military.
Cuba is located about 140 kilometers (90 miles) from the southern tip of Florida, and the island’s communist leadership has long had tense relations with the U.S. government.
Since the Axios report was released, the United States has reiterated that Cuba is not a threat to the United States. He also stressed the right to defend one’s country and accused the United States of “inventing pretexts” and “creating and spreading falsehoods” to justify “potential aggression.”
Still, friction between the two countries has increased since Trump returned to office in 2025.
Following the Jan. 3 attack that kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Trump threatened to take military action in other parts of Latin America, including Cuba.
He also imposed a de facto energy blockade on Cuba and threatened to impose tariffs on any country that supplies Cuba with oil. The resulting fuel shortages have caused energy supply outages across the country, as well as shortages of other basic goods.
Earlier this week, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk criticized U.S. restrictions for disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable members of Cuban society.
“Children are dying because doctors can’t get the medical supplies and medicines they need,” he said. “This is unacceptable.”
However, concerns persist that the United States may seek to escalate tensions with Cuba.
Since last year, the United States has increased its military presence in the Caribbean. In May, the aircraft carrier Nimitz was also dispatched to the area.
The United States has repeatedly described Cuba as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to national security, and there are reports that President Trump is seeking regime change in Cuba.
Hegseth’s arrival at Guantanamo Bay follows a visit last month by Gen. Francis Donovan, the commander of the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in Latin America.
During Wednesday’s visit, Hegseth said the United States is seeking a positive relationship with Cuba and that unspoken changes are imminent.
“We may soon become friends with the Cuban government leadership,” he said.
However, he did not rule out military action.
“For now, we’ll see what happens, but the Department of the Army will give the commander-in-chief whatever options he needs in that contingency,” Hegseth said.
“What the future holds for Cuba rests in the hands of the U.S. president and Cuba’s leaders.”
