President Trump just delivered a message to Cuba’s communist regime that sent the crowd at Turning Point USA’s “Build the Red Wall” rally in Phoenix into a frenzy. Speaking at Dream City Church on Friday to roughly 5,000 supporters, Trump declared that the full weight of America’s military power would soon deliver a moment 70 years in the making. His exact words: “Very soon, this great strength will also bring about a day, 70 years in waiting. It’s called a new dawn for Cuba.” Then he looked straight at the audience and added four words that left no room for interpretation: “And now, watch what happens.” President Donald Trump will be in Phoenix on April 17. He's scheduled to speak at a Turning Point USA event called "Build the Red Wall." https://t.co/uby2ZENUxi— FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) April 16, 2026 Trump connected his Cuba remarks to what he called a proven track record of results. He pointed to the January capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and the ongoing military operations against Iran as evidence that this administration backs up its words with action. “We’re going to help them out with Cuba,” Trump said, directly addressing Cuban Americans in the audience. He described them as people who had “been brutally treated, whose families were killed and brutalized” by the communist regime. BREAKING: U.S. reportedly preparing plans for a possible operation in Cuba, awaiting Trump's orders.— Polymarket (@Polymarket) April 15, 2026 This is not the first time Trump has signaled that Cuba is on his radar. The rhetoric has been escalating for weeks. Newsweek had more on the pattern of statements leading up to Friday’s remarks: When pressed about Pentagon preparations for Cuba operations aboard Air Force One, Trump employed ambiguous language: “Well it depends on what your definition of military action is.” Senator Lindsey Graham stated the communist government’s “days are numbered.” The island faces severe economic crisis with rolling blackouts and food shortages, worsened by losing Venezuelan oil supplies after Maduro’s capture. Trump implemented strict tariffs on nations supplying Cuba energy. President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared willingness to sacrifice himself for the revolution, emphasizing Cuba poses no threat to America while preparing defensive measures against potential intervention. Think about how fast this has moved. In January, Trump talked about a “friendly takeover.” By March, he told reporters, “I believe I will have the honor of taking Cuba.” Last week he said the U.S. military “might stop in Cuba” after finishing with Iran. Now he’s telling 5,000 people in Phoenix to “watch what happens.” Fox 10 Phoenix reported on additional details from the event: Over 3,000 people attended the event, according to Turning Point USA officials. The speaker lineup included Trump, Erika Kirk, several Republican lawmakers including Reps. Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, Abe Hamadeh, Paul Gosar, and Juan Ciscomani, plus former athletes Danica Patrick, Jay Feely, and Jeremy Roenick. Trump discussed immigration, cost of living, and claimed his administration achieved significant results in these areas. Regarding Iran, he stated the Strait of Hormuz is operational but emphasized the U.S. naval blockade will remain until matters resolve. Meanwhile, reports indicate the Pentagon has been quietly accelerating plans for a potential Cuba operation. USA Today reported earlier this week, citing anonymous sources, that the Defense Department has been preparing for possible military action and awaiting Trump’s orders. Cuba’s communist leader Diaz-Canel has responded by declaring 2026 the “Year of Defense Preparation” and launching military exercises throughout the island. He warned of “enormous losses” for any invading force, but with the country’s economy in free fall, no oil flowing, and its biggest ally Maduro already in custody, the regime’s options are running thin. The Cuban people have waited 70 years for freedom. If President Trump has his way, that wait may be almost over.