Trump Declares National Emergency Over Cuba and Announces Oil Sanctions

Trump ⁤Administration Declares ‍National Emergency Regarding Cuba, Imposes Oil Restrictions

The Trump administration escalated its pressure on Cuba Thursday, January 18, 2019, by imposing restrictions on⁣ oil shipments to the island ⁤nation. This action follows the ‍curtailment of Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba. President Trump signed an executive order declaring⁢ a ⁤”national emergency” with respect to Cuba and announcing tariffs on countries that provide⁤ petroleum to the Caribbean nation, perhaps impacting Mexico’s ability to resume oil shipments to Havana.

“The policies, practices, and ⁤actions of the government of Cuba are designed to harm the United States and support antagonistic countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign actors who⁣ seek to undermine the United States,” the executive order states.

The order further asserts that “the situation with respect to ‍Cuba represents an unusual and extraordinary threat” to ⁢the⁤ national security and foreign policy of the United States. ⁢ According to a white House statement released on January 17,2019,the⁢ administration aims to limit cuba’s access to⁢ resources that support its government and activities deemed detrimental to U.S.interests.

This move builds upon the Trump administration’s broader policy of tightening restrictions on⁢ Cuba, reversing some of the Obama-era normalization efforts. In November⁤ 2018, the U.S. State Department reimposed restrictions on Americans traveling to cuba, limiting travel to authorized⁤ group tours.