Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba

This Executive Order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 29, 2026, declares a national emergency to address the security threat posed by the Government of Cuba. To deal with this emergency, the order establishes a secondary tariff system targeting any country that provides oil to the Cuban regime.

The President determined that Cuba’s policies and actions constitute an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security. The order cites several justifications:

• • Alliances with Adversaries: Cuba is accused of hosting and supporting hostile actors, including Russia, China, and Iran. Specifically, the order notes that Cuba hosts Russia’s largest overseas signals intelligence facility and cooperates deeply with China on defense.

  • Support for Terrorism: The order claims Cuba provides a safe haven for Hamas and Hezbollah, allowing them to build ties and destabilize the Western Hemisphere.

  • Regional Instability: Cuba is accused of spreading communist ideology, subverting U.S. sanctions, and using violence and migration to destabilize the region.

  • Human Rights Abuses: The text highlights the persecution of political opponents, the denial of free speech and press, and the harassment of religious worshippers.

To exert pressure on the regime, the order creates a mechanism to penalize Cuba's energy suppliers:

• • Target: The U.S. will impose an additional ad valorem duty (a percentage-based tariff) on goods imported from any country that directly or indirectly provides crude oil or petroleum products to Cuba.

  • "Indirect" Provision: The definition includes sales through intermediaries or third countries if the supplier has knowledge that the oil is destined for Cuba.

The order establishes a multi-agency process for identifying and penalizing suppliers:

• • Determination: The Secretary of Commerce is responsible for identifying countries that provide oil to Cuba and informing the Secretary of State.

  • Recommendation: The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Treasury, Commerce, DHS, and the USTR, recommends the specific tariff rate to the President.

  • Final Decision: The President makes the final determination on the imposition and extent of the tariffs.

• • Retaliation Clause: If a foreign country retaliates against the U.S. for these tariffs, the President may modify the order to ensure its efficacy.

  • "Off-Ramp": The order may be modified or lifted if Cuba or the affected countries take "significant steps" to address U.S. national security concerns and align with U.S. foreign policy.

The order becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on January 30, 2026.

Conclusion:
By targeting the energy supply chain of the Cuban government, the Trump Administration aims to isolate the regime and its international partners. The order uses U.S. market access as leverage to force third-party nations to choose between trading with the United States or supplying oil to the communist government in Cuba.

1. Declaration of National Emergency2. The Oil-Based Tariff System3. Enforcement and Implementation Process4. Modification and Retaliation5. Effective Date