Trump Declares National Emergency Over Cuba

Washington, January 29, 2026 — U.S. President Donald J. Trump has declared a national emergency concerning Cuba, citing what he described as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The declaration was formalized through an executive order signed on Wednesday and set to take effect early Friday.
Under the order, the United States may impose additional ad valorem tariffs on imports from any foreign country that directly or indirectly supplies oil to Cuba. The administration said the move is necessary to counter what it characterizes as Cuba’s alignment with hostile states, transnational terrorist organizations, and malign actors opposed to U.S. interests.
The executive order accuses the Cuban government of maintaining close intelligence and defense cooperation with countries such as Russia, China, and Iran, and of providing a permissive environment for groups including Hamas and Hezbollah. It also claims Cuba hosts Russia’s largest overseas signals intelligence facility, which allegedly targets sensitive U.S. national security information.
Beyond security concerns, the order sharply criticizes Cuba’s domestic governance, alleging systematic human-rights abuses, repression of political opposition, restrictions on free speech and press, and persecution of civil society and religious groups. The administration said these actions undermine regional stability and conflict with democratic values promoted by the United States.
The tariff mechanism outlined in the order gives the U.S. Department of Commerce authority to determine whether a country is supplying oil to Cuba, while the Secretary of State, in consultation with other agencies, will recommend whether and to what extent additional duties should be imposed. President Trump retains final authority over the implementation and scope of the tariffs.
The order also allows for modification if affected countries retaliate against the United States, or if Cuba or other involved states take “significant steps” to align with U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
U.S. officials will be required to submit recurring reports to Congress on the national emergency and actions taken under the order, in line with existing emergency and economic powers laws.
The White House said the United States remains committed to supporting the Cuban people’s aspirations for a “free and democratic society,” while holding the Cuban government accountable for actions it views as threatening to U.S. interests.