Putting America First: Trump’s Crusade Against Cuba

Trump began his second term as president on January 20, 2025. Since then, he has singled out several countries for military strikes, territorial acquisition, and the imposition of tariffs on goods imported to the United States. In particular, Trump has focused on Latin and South American countries in a brazen attempt to “dominate” the regions. Most recently, he championed the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who have been charged with federal drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and corruption. Now, Trump has turned his attention to Cuba.

On January 29, 2026, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency in relation to Cuba and implementing a new system of tariffs. Trump dubbed Cuba an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to both United States national security and foreign policy. Accordingly, the new system allows the United States to add additional tariffs to imports from any country that directly or indirectly provides oil to Cuba. Trump retains the power to modify the executive order if Cuba and other countries subject to the tariffs take steps to align with United States national security and foreign policy affairs.

In addition to the implementation of new and more expansive tariffs, the executive order also seeks to hold Cuba accountable for harboring terrorist groups and supporting hostile actors that pose a threat to the safety of the United States. These fears stem from accusations that Cuba has provided a safe haven for terrorist groups such as Hamas, hosted Russia’s potentially nefarious intelligence signals facility, and engaged in actions generally repugnant to the values of a democratic society.

The executive order and accompanying actions taken by Trump are part of a larger ideology that strives to “put America first.” Cuba has long found itself at the center of Trump’s practice of confronting and holding accountable countries that threaten United States security and policy. During his first term, Trump reversed the Obama Administration’s deal with Cuba that lessened restrictions, but allegedly failed to provide reform for Cuban people. In June 2025, Trump placed travel restrictions on Cuban nationals and memorialized a stronger position towards Cuba.

Operating under the guise of its “putting America first” policy, Trump has already interfered with intra-national and international affairs regarding Latin and South American nations. Trump’s new executive order targeting Cuba could be the final nail in the nation’s coffin, which was heavily dependent on Venezuelan oil imports to bolster its economy and provide electricity to the island. In the wake of Maduro’s capture, Cuba has relied on Mexico for the oil it needs to power the nation and its economy.

The lack of oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico may expedite the deterioration of an already degenerating intra-national state of affairs. Many Cubans could go without electricity and gasoline and the economic crisis could worsen dramatically. Experts and activists have expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis that may arise as the country’s economy deteriorates, but the Trump administration has only doubled down on its resolve to apply pressure to Cuba.

As Trump continues to target Latin and South America, it begs the question: Is “putting America first” at all costs the best approach to foreign policy? The executive order’s tariffs could strain trade relations with Mexico, which is a top United States trading partner. It could also lead to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, leaving many without resources to survive. The collapse of the Cuban government may spur a migration crisis, with many Cuban migrants seeking refuge in the United States. Trump has failed to address these concerns or indicate how or if he plans to support the Cuban people in the wake of what may be the devastation of an entire nation.

Article Written by Madeline Moran

Sources:

Nora Gámez Torres, Ramping up pressure, Trump signs executive order to impose tariffs on Cuba’s oil suppliers, MIAMI HERALD (Jan. 30, 2026), available at https://apple.news/AhkYqWP60Sii8doqdJ_p6gA (last visited Jan. 30, 2026).

Maureen Meyer, Trump Administration’s Aim to Dominate Latin America: A Year in Review, WASHINGTON OFF. ON LATIN AMERICA (Jan. 15, 2026), available at https://www.wola.org/analysis/trump-administrations-aim-to-dominate-latin-america-a-year-in-review/#:~:text=Also%20in%20December%2C%20the%20administration,%2C%20and%20Venezuela%2C%20among%20others. (last visited Jan. 30, 2026).

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Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba, THE WHITE HOUSE (Jan. 29, 2026), available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-addresses-threats-to-the-united-states-by-the-government-of-cuba/ (last visited Jan. 30, 2026).

Matthew Olay, Trump Announces U.S. Military’s Capture of Maduro, U.S. DEP’T OF WAR (Jan. 3, 2026), available at https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4370431/trump-announces-us-militarys-capture-of-maduro/ (last visited Jan. 30, 2026).