President Donald Trump signed a new executive order Thursday declaring a national emergency and directing the U.S. government to impose tariffs on goods from any country that sells oil to Cuba. The order marks a sharp escalation in the administration’s long-running efforts to pressure the Cuban government through economic measures.
In the executive order, Trump stated that the “policies, practices and actions of the Government of Cuba constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat.” The order also cites Cuba’s alliances with Russia, China and Iran, as well as militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, as justification for the emergency declaration.
While the order does not specify the size or scope of the tariffs, it makes clear that the penalties would apply to products sold in the United States from “any other country that directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides any oil to Cuba.” Responsibility for evaluating which countries fall under the order will be shared among the secretaries of Commerce, State, Treasury and Homeland Security, along with the U.S. trade representative. Final decisions on whether to impose additional tariffs will rest with Trump himself.
Speaking to reporters at an event honoring First Lady Melania Trump at the Kennedy Center, the president suggested the policy could have severe consequences for Cuba’s future. “Cuba is a failing nation, and you have to feel badly for Cuba; they’ve treated people very badly,” Trump said. He added that many Cuban Americans were mistreated by the government and implied the island’s political system may not endure. “I think Cuba will not be able survive,” Trump said.
The move follows several warnings Trump has issued to the Cuban government in recent weeks, particularly after the U.S. capture of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. While the executive order applies broadly, it appears to be aimed largely at Mexico, which has become Cuba’s top oil supplier in recent years.
In 2025, Mexico was estimated to have exported an average of 12,284 barrels of oil per day to Cuba. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged earlier this week that oil shipments to Cuba had temporarily stopped, but said the pause was due to general fluctuations rather than pressure from the United States. She described Mexico’s energy policy as a “sovereign decision” and said the country would “continue to show solidarity” with Cuba.
When asked whether Mexico would resume oil shipments, Sheinbaum said only that “in any case, it will be reported.” Trump and Sheinbaum spoke by phone Thursday in what Trump described as a “very productive telephone conversation” focused on border security, drug trafficking and trade.
The Cuba-related action came alongside a separate escalation in trade tensions with Canada. Trump threatened to decertify Canadian-made aircraft and impose a 50% tariff, accusing Canada of illegally blocking certification of U.S.-built Gulfstream jets. The threat would apply to all Canadian aircraft, including those produced by Quebec-based Bombardier.
