Since 1996, the United States has issued a total of six executive orders and formal renewals related to the "national emergency" declared against Cuba. This legal framework was first established by then-President Bill Clinton in response to Cuban fighter jets shooting down aircraft from the Brothers to the Rescue organization.
The original measure, signed on March 1, 1996, labeled the actions of the Cuban government as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
Subsequently, this declaration has been extended and modified by five consecutive presidents without any interruptions.
Presidential Decrees Over Three Decades
Bill Clinton (1996): Initiated the first national emergency following the shootdown incident involving Brothers to the Rescue. The basis was maritime safety and the protection of American citizens.
George W. Bush (2004): Expanded the scope of the measure, intensifying sanctions to prevent financial or material support to the Cuban regime.
Barack Obama (2016): Renewed the emergency despite diplomatic efforts with Havana, citing ongoing "national security risks."
Donald Trump (2018): Recrafted the legal wording, reaffirming that Cuba posed an "unusual and extraordinary threat," in alignment with hostile powers.
Donald Trump (2025): Continued the emergency with an annual renewal signed on February 24, during his second presidential term.
Donald Trump (2026): Issued a new executive order on January 29, maintaining the declaration and introducing a tariff component to penalize countries supplying oil to Cuba.
Enduring Legal Framework Across Administrations
The executive orders draw authority from the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which empower the President to restrict transactions, assets, and services when a nation is deemed a threat to U.S. security.
According to the White House, the 2026 order addresses the "alignment of the Cuban regime with hostile countries and actors," including Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, and the use of Cuban territory by foreign powers for espionage and military influence.
From Maritime Security to Energy Control
The current decree's most notable update is the implementation of a tariff system designed to economically penalize countries supplying oil to Cuba, even indirectly.
The Department of Commerce and the Department of State are tasked with identifying the involved nations and enforcing the appropriate sanctions.
The order also grants the President extensive powers to adjust or suspend measures if the Cuban government undertakes "concrete actions towards democratization and regional security cooperation."
Political Continuity Beyond Party Lines
Since its inception, the national emergency against Cuba has been upheld by both Democratic and Republican presidents, highlighting a bipartisan institutional consensus in Washington regarding the risks posed by the Cuban regime.
Over three decades, U.S. legislation has evolved from sanctioning specific incidents—such as the aircraft shootdown—to encompassing broader geopolitical and energy considerations, as Havana strengthens ties with Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran.
With this latest executive order, Cuba remains under a special national emergency regime, marking the longest such application by the United States to any Western Hemisphere country since the end of the Cold War.
Understanding U.S. Executive Orders on Cuba
What prompted the initial national emergency declaration against Cuba?
The initial declaration was prompted by the Cuban military's downing of aircraft from the Brothers to the Rescue organization, which was deemed a threat to U.S. national security.
How have executive orders against Cuba changed over the years?
Over the years, the executive orders have evolved from addressing specific incidents to including broader geopolitical and energy-related concerns, reflecting changing international dynamics.
Which laws empower the President to issue these orders?
The National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) authorize the President to issue these orders when a foreign nation poses a threat to U.S. security.