US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency citing an “unusual and extraordinary threat” from the Government of Cuba. Trump signed an executive order at the White House, stating that Cuba’s policies and actions pose a risk to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
The order accuses Cuba of aligning with hostile countries and terrorist groups like Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. It alleges that Cuba hosts adversaries of the US, allowing them to establish military and intelligence capabilities that directly threaten national security.
Trump further accuses Cuba of supporting terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, providing them a safe environment to expand their influence in the region. The order also mentions Cuba’s assistance to adversaries in the Western Hemisphere to undermine US and international sanctions.
The executive order highlights Cuba’s support for terrorism, destabilization through migration and violence, and repression of its own population. It condemns the Cuban regime for human rights violations, including persecution of political opponents and restrictions on free speech and press.
To address the national emergency, Trump has ordered the creation of a tariff system that could impose additional duties on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with other departments, will determine the extent of these duties based on findings of oil supply to Cuba.
