President Donald Trump issued an executive order Thursday establishing a national emergency in response to threats from the Cuban government.
The White House characterized Cuba’s actions as presenting an unusual and extraordinary danger to American national security and foreign policy interests.
The executive order carries the title “ADDRESSING THREATS TO THE UNITED STATES BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CUBA.”
The document outlines specific concerns regarding Havana’s international relationships and domestic practices.
According to the order, the Cuban government maintains alliances with multiple entities considered hostile to American interests.
These include the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.
The White House stated that Cuba permits adversarial nations to establish military and intelligence operations on the island.
These installations reportedly pose direct threats to United States national security.
The administration also cited Cuba’s role in regional instability.
The order references the regime’s alleged support for terrorism and contribution to migration challenges and violence affecting neighboring areas.
Human rights violations form another component of the administration’s justification.
The executive order accuses the communist government of persecuting political opponents, denying freedom of speech and press, and profiting from citizen suffering.
To counter these identified threats, Trump’s order implements a tariff-based system.
The mechanism allows for additional duties on imports from countries that supply oil to Cuba, either directly or indirectly.
The secretaries of state and commerce received authorization to execute the measures. The executive order does not specify exact tariff percentages at this time.
The action arrives as Cuba grapples with a severe energy shortage.
The crisis intensified following the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by United States forces earlier this month, disrupting a key oil supply route.
Cuba has sought petroleum shipments from various international partners.
Mexico has served as one source, though delivery quantities have reportedly decreased in recent months.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the reduction in shipments.
She described any interruptions as sovereign decisions related to contractual obligations and emphasized continued humanitarian assistance.
Trump spoke to reporters Thursday evening about the situation.
“The word choke off is awfully tough. Cuba is a failing nation, and you have to feel badly for Cuba. They’ve treated people very badly,” Trump stated.
“We have a lot of Cuban Americans who really were treated very badly, and they’d probably like to go back. And no, I’m not trying to, but it looks like it’s something that’s just not going to be able to survive.”
“I think Cuba will not be able to survive,” the president added.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has drawn comparisons between Cuba’s current predicament and recent events in Venezuela, Resist the Mainstream previously reported.
His comments suggest the administration anticipates significant difficulties ahead for the island nation.
