March 20, 2026
Rahm Emanuel says the arrival of Russian oil tankers in Cuba is a direct test of whether President Trump can distinguish between political theater and a real strategic threat.
As Russian oil tankers head toward Cuba, former Chicago mayor, White House chief of staff, and US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel argues that the moment is about much more than sanctions or shipping lanes. In this clip from an upcoming episode of GZERO World, Emanuel says it is a real-world test of whether President Trump knows his allies from his enemies when it comes to Vladimir Putin.“This president does not know the difference between friend and foe,” Emanuel says, pointing to what he views as a contradiction in Trump’s approach to Russia. He frames the tankers’ arrival as a deliberate move from Moscow: “There are two Russian tankers on the way to Cuba. This will be a test.”
Will the United States confront Russia, or look the other way?
Watch the full conversation starting Friday, March 27, on PBS and on GZERO Media’s YouTube channel.
More For You
- YouTube
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says Trump's Iran war has made America weaker, more isolated, and no closer to a lasting solution in the Middle East.
Most Popular
Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.
Potential rebuilding fund for Iran, China's effort to keep its money at home, Trump and Modi's reset
Jun 17, 2026
People walk along Dubai Creek Harbour, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 6, 2026.
REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/File Photo
Iran could reportedly receive up to $300 billion in a reconstruction fund for its battered economy as part of its interim peace deal with the US, but US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the US would not be the one paying for it.
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.