(January 30, 2026)

The Trump administration’s latest move to cut off oil shipments to an already-struggling Cuba is a significant escalation in the decades-long effort by the United States to topple the Cuban government.

On Thursday, President Trump declared a “national emergency” over what he called the “unusual and extraordinary threat” by Cuba for its hostile actions, including, he said, allowing Russia to spy on the United States from its territory and “welcoming” hostile nations, like Iran, and terrorist groups, like Hamas and Hezbollah. (Mr. Trump did not provide evidence for any of those claims.)