MIAMI — Mixed reactions are brewing in Miami’s Little Havana after President Donald Trump floated what he called a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, describing the island as a failing nation in need of change.

At Versailles Restaurant, the idea sparked a mix of disbelief, frustration and deep emotion among Cuban exiles.

“I believe it when I see it, when something really happens,” said Maria, a Cuban native.

For her, the situation back home feels unbearable. She points to widespread power blackouts and gas shortages, conditions that have worsened as Cuba struggles under long-standing U.S. sanctions.

“I can’t imagine,” she said. “How come the people haven’t revolted -- because how much can you stand?”

Maria says she supports Trump’s idea, even going so far as to hope for direct U.S. intervention.

“I wish the U.S. would invade Cuba, take over and make it back to the beautiful island it was,” she said. “We’ve been suffering all our lives.”

But not everyone agrees.

Another Cuban native at the restaurant, also named Maria, said Cuba’s future shouldn’t involve a U.S. takeover.

“They have to go alone,” she said.

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