President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, establishing a national emergency to address what the White House deems an unusual and extraordinary threat posed by the Cuban government to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States. This action, titled “ADDRESSING THREATS TO THE UNITED STATES BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CUBA,” specifically calls out Havana’s international alliances and domestic practices as primary concerns.
The executive order lists various entities that maintain relationships with Cuba, which the U.S. considers unfriendly. Among them are the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. It is alleged by the White House that Cuba allows these nations and groups to conduct military and intelligence operations from the island, directly threatening U.S. national security.
Furthermore, the administration accuses Cuba of contributing to regional instability, citing the regime's support for terrorism, and its role in migration challenges and violence in nearby areas. The order also highlights human rights issues, accusing the Cuban government of persecuting political opponents, restricting freedoms of speech and press, and exploiting its citizens.
To counter these threats, President Trump's order imposes a tariff-based approach against countries that supply oil to Cuba, both directly and indirectly. While the specific tariff percentages have yet to be announced, the secretaries of state and commerce have been authorized to carry out these measures.
The timing of this executive order is particularly critical as Cuba faces an acute energy crisis, exacerbated by the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, which cut off a major oil supply. Cuba has been seeking petroleum from various international partners, including Mexico, which has seen a reduction in its shipments to Cuba.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the reduction, framing it as a sovereign decision tied to contractual obligations but reaffirmed Mexico's commitment to humanitarian assistance.
President Trump, speaking to reporters, expressed a somber view of Cuba’s future. “Cuba is a failing nation, and you have to feel badly for Cuba. They’ve treated people very badly,” he said. He reflected on the Cuban-American community's desire to potentially return to their homeland, and predicted, “I think Cuba will not be able to survive.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been vocal about the situation, drawing parallels between Cuba's current state and recent developments in Venezuela, suggesting that significant challenges lie ahead for the island nation.
