President Donald Trump has extended the national emergency concerning Cuba for another year, maintaining the authority to control the anchoring and movement of vessels, which includes the power to stop and inspect both American and foreign ships bound for the island.
On February 13, the White House formalized this decision, as noted in a public notice regarding the "Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Related to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels."
The White House cites as a key reason for the extension, "The Cuban government has not demonstrated restraint in the use of excessive force against U.S. vessels or aircraft participating in commemorative or peaceful protest activities north of Cuba."
Furthermore, the statement emphasizes that "unauthorized entry of any U.S.-registered vessels into Cuban territorial waters remains detrimental to U.S. foreign policy, as it could facilitate a mass migration from Cuba."
The official stance indicates, "A mass migration from Cuba would jeopardize U.S. national security by causing a disruption or threat to international relations."
Thus, the president has directed, in accordance with the National Emergencies Act, that the national emergency concerning Cuba and the related authority to regulate ship anchorage and movement must continue.
The official document recalls that the national emergency was initially declared on March 1, 1996, through Proclamation 6867, following the Cuban government's destruction of two unarmed civilian aircraft registered in the United States in international airspace on February 24 of that year (the Brothers to the Rescue planes).
The measure was later expanded in 2004 to "deny financial and material support to the Cuban government," and modified in 2016 and 2018, in response to what Washington perceives as ongoing disturbances in international relations linked to the island.
Reasons Behind Trump's National Emergency Order
On January 29, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency, asserting that Cuba's policies and actions pose an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
Effective January 30, the order, issued from the White House, argued that the Cuban regime "aligns with numerous hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign actors adversarial to the United States, including Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah."
The document states that Cuba "harbors dangerous adversaries" and allows the establishment of "military and intelligence capabilities that directly threaten U.S. national security."
It also notes that Cuba "maintains the largest Russian intelligence base outside that country" and "continues to build deep defense and intelligence cooperation with the People's Republic of China."
Additionally, the executive order accuses the Cuban regime of supporting terrorism, destabilizing the region through migration and violence, and committing human rights violations against its opponents, restricting freedoms of expression, worship, and the press.
The document states, "We will act to protect the foreign policy, national security, and interests of the United States, while remaining committed to the aspirations of the Cuban people for a free and democratic society."
The order also established a tariff system allowing Washington to impose additional duties on imports from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba, either directly or indirectly.
Trump Labels Cuba as a "Humanitarian Threat"
Recently, Trump declared that Cuba faces a "humanitarian threat" and expressed that the Island's government should reach an agreement with the United States amid its severe energy crisis.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews this Monday, Trump mentioned that talks with Havana are ongoing.
"Cuba is currently a failed nation and they don't even have fuel for planes to take off," he remarked, adding, "They should absolutely make a deal because it's a humanitarian threat."
The president reiterated that the embargo remains in place and highlighted that the Caribbean nation faces restrictions on access to oil and financing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S.-Cuba Relations
Why did Trump extend the national emergency regarding Cuba?
Trump extended the national emergency concerning Cuba due to the perceived threat the Cuban regime poses to U.S. national security and foreign policy, citing Cuba's alliances with hostile countries and its potential to incite mass migration.
What actions has the Trump administration taken against Cuba?
The Trump administration has maintained the national emergency, imposed additional tariffs on imports related to Cuban oil purchases, and criticized Cuba for human rights violations and alliances with adversarial nations.