Trump Declares National Emergency Over Cuba

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a national state of emergency, linking the decision to the actions of the Cuban government. The corresponding executive order was published by the White House on January 29, 2026.

The document states that the policies and practices of the Cuban authorities are of an "unusual and extraordinary nature" and pose a threat to U.S. interests. The head of the White House emphasized that he considers the protection of national security and the country's foreign policy priorities to be his direct duty.

“The Government of Cuba is taking extraordinary actions that harm and threaten the United States. The regime aligns itself with and provides support for numerous hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign actors adverse to the United States,” the text of the order reads.

The document specifically lists allegations of human rights violations, suppression of free speech, persecution of political opponents, and restrictions on civil society activities in Cuba.

As part of the state of emergency, the President instructed the administration to develop a special tariff system. This will allow the U.S. to impose additional duties on countries that directly or indirectly supply oil to Cuba.

Earlier, on January 12, Donald Trump issued a stern statement addressed to Havana, threatening serious consequences if they refused to "make a deal" and stating that Cuba could lose financial support and oil supplies following the weakening of ties with Venezuela (after the ousting of Nicolas Maduro earlier this month).