Trump declares a state of emergency in the US due to "threats" from Cuba

President of the United States Donald Trump signed a decree declaring a state of emergency "due to the policies and actions of the Cuban government" that "pose a threat to the United States." Document appeared on the White House website on January 29.

The document states that the Cuban government has "taken extraordinary measures that harm and threaten the United States." It is emphasized that "the regime stands in solidarity with hostile countries, terrorist groups and malicious actors hostile to the United States." This refers, in particular, to Cuba's cooperation with Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

The decree also says that Cuba is home to Russia's largest foreign electronic intelligence station, which is "attempting to steal classified information regarding U.S. national security." Trump is also outraged that Cuba is "deepening intelligence and defense cooperation" with China.

The US President emphasized that "the Cuban communist regime destabilizes the region through migration and violence, persecutes and tortures its political opponents, deprives the Cuban people of freedom of speech, and commits other human rights violations."

Based on this, Trump announced the imposition of customs sanctions on countries that help the island with oil.

The mechanism for imposing duties involves the Department of Commerce inspecting oil suppliers to Cuba and the Secretary of State making recommendations on duty rates. The White House has the final say in imposing penalties.

• january 11, 2026, Trump called on the Cuban authorities make a deal from the United States. He warned of a complete cessation of oil and money supplies to the island.
• Politico wrote that Trump is considering tactics to regime change in Cubain particular, the oil blockade.