Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar issued a stark warning on Thursday, stating that the United States can no longer turn a blind eye to the crisis in Cuba. She described the regime in Havana as a direct threat to U.S. national security, beyond just a humanitarian disaster.
"The United States cannot keep pretending that this crisis ends at Cuba's shores," Salazar wrote on her X account.
She emphasized, "A collapsing dictatorship, aligned with America's adversaries, spreading instability and human suffering just 90 miles from Florida, is not only a humanitarian catastrophe. It is a national security threat."
Energy Crisis Deepens
This statement comes amid one of the most severe energy shortages Cuba has faced in decades.
On Tuesday, the island's electricity deficit reached an annual record of 2,113 MW, resulting in blackouts lasting up to 22 hours a day in Havana and up to 24 hours in eastern provinces like Granma and Holguín.
Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy publicly admitted that Cuba has no diesel or fuel oil reserves, describing the situation as "acute, critical, and extremely tense."
Military and Political Tensions
Salazar's tweet also followed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's congressional testimony two days prior, confirming that Cuba poses a real threat to the U.S. He highlighted the use of Cuban ports by the Russian navy, including the nuclear submarine Kazan, as well as the presence of the Russian intelligence complex in Lourdes, labeling it as "very problematic."
Reacting to Hegseth's testimony, Salazar stated, "The truth is finally being revealed. Today we heard directly from the Secretary of Defense: Cuba is a clear and present threat to the United States."
Sanctions and Economic Pressures
The political context underscores the urgency of Salazar's message. On May 7, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against GAESA, the military conglomerate controlling between 40% and 70% of Cuba's economy, giving foreign companies until June 5 to cease operations with the entity.
The energy crisis worsened after the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, which halted Venezuelan oil supplies of 25,000 to 30,000 barrels per day—two-thirds of Cuba's energy imports.
This was compounded by the cessation of Mexican shipments since January and the depletion of Russian oil by the end of April, leaving the island without any fuel shipments from December 2025 to late March 2026.
Salazar concluded her message with a direct assertion about the Cuban people's desires: "Cubans have made their message clear: they do not want more repression, more blackouts, or more communist misery. They want FREEDOM."
Understanding the Cuban Crisis: Key Questions Answered
Why is the Cuban regime considered a threat to U.S. national security?
The Cuban regime is viewed as a threat because it is aligned with America's adversaries, spreads regional instability, and hosts foreign military activities that could endanger U.S. security interests.
What has contributed to Cuba's current energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis has been exacerbated by the cessation of Venezuelan oil supplies following Nicolás Maduro's capture, the halt of Mexican shipments, and the depletion of Russian oil reserves.
What actions has the U.S. taken regarding Cuba's economic situation?
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on GAESA, a Cuban military conglomerate, urging foreign businesses to sever ties and cease operations with the entity by June 5.