Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed her support on Friday for the potential decision by the Trump administration to completely halt the oil supply to Cuba. She also cautioned Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that continuing oil shipments to the island might have negative repercussions on bilateral relations with the United States.
In a series of posts on the social media platform X, Salazar stated that "the Cuban regime has sustained itself through free oil, exported repression, and modern slavery disguised as medical missions," and declared that this era of "appeasement" is over.
The Republican legislator praised the European Union for starting to reduce its cooperation with Havana and emphasized that the next critical step to pressure the regime would be an energy blockade. "Cutting off the regime's vital energy supply strikes at the heart of its repressive machinery, and I fully support the Trump administration in this course of action," she wrote.
In another tweet, the congresswoman delivered a direct message to the Mexican leader: "President Sheinbaum must carefully consider her next move and stop financing the Cuban regime with free oil. The Trump administration has made it clear: freedom in our hemisphere is a priority."
Salazar highlighted that Mexico's stance will be taken into account during the upcoming renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "Let there be no doubt: continued appeasement of the Cuban regime will be considered when renegotiating the USMCA," she warned.
The congresswoman's statements come amid escalating energy tensions between Washington, Havana, and Mexico City. According to reports from Reuters and POLITICO, the Trump administration is considering a naval blockade or total oil sanctions against Cuba, while Mexico is assessing whether to continue its crude shipments to the island, which now heavily relies on Mexican supplies following the decline of Venezuelan support.
The debate over the energy embargo has become a central focus of the new U.S. policy towards Cuba in 2026, enjoying widespread backing from the Cuban-American bloc in Congress.
Implications of an Oil Embargo on Cuba
What are the potential impacts of a total oil embargo on Cuba?
A total oil embargo could severely cripple Cuba's energy resources, further straining its economy and challenging the government's ability to maintain its infrastructure and public services.
How might Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba affect its relationship with the U.S.?
Continuing oil shipments to Cuba could strain Mexico's diplomatic and trade relations with the U.S., especially during the renegotiation of the USMCA, as it may be seen as supporting a regime opposed by the U.S.
What role does the Cuban-American bloc in Congress play in U.S. policy towards Cuba?
The Cuban-American bloc in Congress is influential in shaping U.S. policy towards Cuba, often advocating for stricter measures against the Cuban regime to promote democratic reforms and human rights.