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President Donald J. Trump declared a "national emergency" in response to what he described as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" posed by the Government of Cuba to the national security of the United States, and warned that he would impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba.
This measure, signed on January 29 at the White House, marks a new point of pressure on the Cuban regime and could have immediate consequences for the Caribbean nation, exacerbating the current economic crisis.
The central aim of the executive order is to economically suffocate the communist regime in Havana by restricting its access to energy and financial resources. Any country that supplies oil to Cuba may face "additional tariffs" on its exports to the United States, even if done indirectly.
This mechanism aims to halt fuel shipments to the island, a measure that could worsen the already severe energy crisis affecting the country, marked by prolonged blackouts and a shortage of transportation.
In addition to the economic impact, the decision increases Cuba's diplomatic isolation.
The White House accuses Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime of allying with hostile actors to the United States, such as Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, and of providing shelter to transnational terrorist groups.
Noticing that countries collaborating with Havana will be sanctioned, Washington seeks to cut the international ties that support the Cuban system and deter new strategic alliances.
The presidential text also reinforces direct oversight of the activities of the Cuban government.
The Department of State and the Department of Commerce must monitor any energy transactions involving the island and recommend additional measures if the sanctions prove ineffective. This could translate into future trade or diplomatic restrictions.
In the internal context, the consequences for the Cuban population could be felt in the short term.
The lack of fuel and the contraction of foreign trade may lead to new price increases, greater transportation difficulties, and a deterioration of basic services.
The Trump administration insists that the measure is aimed at the regime, not the people, and that its purpose is to "support the aspirations of the Cuban people for a free and democratic society."
The former assistant secretary of the State Department, Yleen Poblete, explained that the national emergency declaration regarding Cuba is a continuation of the one issued on March 1, 1996, following the shooting down of two humanitarian American planes by Cuban fighters, an event that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. citizens and one permanent resident.
That emergency has been renewed annually by successive presidents, including the most recent extension signed by Trump on February 24, 2025. The novel aspect of the document is the inclusion of tariffs against countries that sell or supply oil to the Cuban regime.
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