Rep. Tim Burchett said President Donald Trump’s decision to cut off Venezuelan oil represents a strategic economic move that could have far-reaching consequences for Cuba, China, and Russia, potentially weakening Havana’s communist government without the use of military force.

Burchett made the remarks in a video statement recorded while traveling to Washington, describing the move as a calculated use of American economic power rather than armed conflict. He said the decision to shut down Venezuelan oil flows has implications beyond Venezuela itself, particularly for Cuba, which has long depended on outside support to sustain its government.

“Hey everybody. Tim Burton at the airport, gonna head to DC. Hey, saw where President Trump was putting pressure on Cuba by doing by shutting down Venezuelan oil,” Burchett said.

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He characterized the move as deliberate and well-timed, arguing that it affects global competitors who rely on energy resources.

“Now, what he’s done is, it’s really a masterful move. He’s cutting off oil. You know, China was there. There was no mistaking that timing. They’re clearly going to make a move on Taiwan. And they need that all. Russia needs that all,” Burchett said.

According to Burchett, Trump’s decision to take control of the situation disrupted those interests.

“And Trump took it over and seized it and embargoed it, I guess is what they say. But something else that he did was he stopped Cuba from getting it,” he said.

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Burchett pointed to Cuba’s geographic proximity to the United States and its long history as a communist state supported by foreign powers.

“Now, Cuba, of course, 90 miles off the coast of Miami. Communist own run used to cost Russia a million dollars a day to keep them afoot, alive,” Burchett said.

He said Russia’s current involvement in Ukraine has limited its ability to continue supporting Cuba at previous levels, creating what he views as a rare opportunity.

“And now, of course, they’re, they’re bogged down in Ukraine, but by Trump seizing that oil and stopping the flow to Venezuela for the first time, realistically in my life, we have a chance of making a change in Cuba,” Burchett said.

Burchett condemned Cuba’s communist leadership and said decades of rhetoric about ending the regime had failed to produce results.

“Castros are murdering thugs Fidel and his brother now, and whoever else, and it’s just got to end at some point,” he said.

He contrasted past talk of confronting Cuba with what he described as a tangible strategy now in play.

“When I was younger, I thought our blustering talk was we, man, we’re gonna, we’re gonna in Cuba, in the communist reign there, and it never happened. But this is a clear and decent shot we have,” Burchett said.

Burchett expressed confidence in Trump’s approach and leadership, arguing that economic leverage can be more effective than military action.

“If anybody can pull it off. It’s Trump. He understands the most powerful thing we have is our military. Second most is our economic power, and that’s what Trump’s going to use, and he’ll do it without firing a shot,” he said.

He said he supports the decision and hopes it could lead to political change in Cuba.

“So I support this move. I hope we can end the communist reign on Cuba,” Burchett said.

Burchett also spoke about the Cuban people, noting decades of repression and migration efforts.

“Those people have been imprisoned, and that’s why they’re always trying to escape get to Miami,” he said.

He highlighted Cuban Americans as an example of loyalty and patriotism within the United States.

“And some of the most loyal patriotic Americans we have are Cuban Americans,” Burchett said.

Burchett concluded by saying the impact of the move may become clearer in the coming days.

“If they get it anyway, we’ll watch what happens this week. Thank you all for sending me here,” he said.

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