Under Donald J. Trump in his second term, U.S. policy toward Cuba has shifted to maximal pressure aimed at weakening the communist government led by Miguel Díaz-Canel. Trump restored Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, reinstated military-related restrictions, and tightened financial channels. After the U.S. military captured Venezuelan ally Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, Washington halted Venezuela’s oil shipments to Cuba, cutting off its main energy lifeline. Days later, Trump declared a national emergency and threatened tariffs on any country—such as Mexico—that supplies oil to Cuba, creating a near-total de facto blockade. Cuba now faces extreme shortages, long blackouts, transport collapse, strained hospitals, and rising humanitarian fears.

Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio argue the regime is close to failure and must adopt democratic and market reforms. Trump claims back-channel talks exist, reportedly involving a grandson of Raúl Castro. Tensions spiked after a February 2026 shootout between Cuban forces and an armed speedboat from the United States, though both sides avoided escalation. The U.S. has allowed limited humanitarian aid through the Catholic Church. Regional groups like CARICOM warn of humanitarian fallout, but Washington maintains its hard line as Havana denounces the measures as regime-change pressure.