President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States could potentially “take” Cuba as the island nation struggled through a nationwide blackout caused by a collapse of its electrical grid.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he believed he could have “the honor of taking Cuba,” adding that the country is currently in a weakened state amid its deepening economic and energy crisis.

“Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it,” Trump said, describing Cuba as “a very weakened nation right now.”

The comments came as Cuba’s national electric system suffered a complete shutdown, leaving much of the island without power. Cuba’s state-run electric company said the blackout resulted from a total collapse of the national grid and that restoration efforts were underway.

The crisis is part of a broader energy emergency on the island, where aging power plants and fuel shortages have led to daily outages lasting up to 20 hours in some regions.

Fuel shortages have worsened in recent months following U.S. pressure on countries that supply oil to Cuba. The Trump administration previously imposed tariffs and other measures aimed at discouraging foreign governments from sending fuel to the communist-led island.

The loss of oil shipments has placed additional strain on Cuba’s already fragile power system and has forced airlines to reduce flights to the island, affecting its tourism sector and broader economy.

As the crisis deepens, Cuba’s government has taken steps to ease economic restrictions in an attempt to attract outside investment. Cuban officials recently said the country would allow exiles and foreign companies, including U.S. firms, to invest in and own businesses on the island.

Meanwhile, frustration among residents has grown as blackouts and shortages of food, fuel, and medicine continue. Demonstrations and pot-banging protests have occurred in several areas as citizens voice anger over deteriorating living conditions.

President Trump has previously suggested that Cuba could face a “friendly takeover” if its government does not reach a deal with Washington, signaling increasing pressure on the communist leadership in Havana.

President Trump indicated the United States may address the situation in Cuba after resolving ongoing conflicts elsewhere, saying Havana could soon face a choice between negotiating with Washington or confronting further action from the United States.