Edward Robert Martin Jr., a Pardon Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, made headlines on Friday by expressing his support for continued sanctions against Cuba through a post on his official X account. Martin stated, "A free Cuba will be a great Cuba. Make Cuba great again," drawing on the famous MAGA slogan.
Martin's message was in direct response to Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement the previous day. Rubio had imposed sanctions on the state-run company Unión Cuba-Petróleo (CUPET) under President Trump's Executive Order 14404.
Energy as a Tool of Oppression
Rubio criticized the Cuban government for using energy as a means of social control and kleptocratic gain. He pointed out that fuel was being diverted to the personal jet of the Castro family, security forces, and tourist hotels, leaving ordinary Cubans to endure blackouts and extended waits for fuel.
The sanctions against CUPET freeze all assets and interests under U.S. jurisdiction and threaten secondary sanctions on any foreign business that engages with the company in the energy, defense, metals, financial services, or security sectors.
Impact on International Agreements
This action marked the second major enforcement of EO 14404 in less than five weeks. On May 7, Rubio had previously sanctioned GAESA and its CEO. This pressure campaign has also targeted the MININT, PNR, Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, and the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
Moreover, the sanctions effectively nullified an agreement between Vanguard Energy of Coral Gables, Florida, and CUPET, which would have facilitated sending over 250,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel per shipment — the largest U.S. fuel delivery to Cuba since the Eisenhower era.
The State Department denied authorizing this operation on June 10.
Martin's Political Alignment
Despite not having direct authority over foreign policy or sanctions, Martin's tweet reflects a political alignment with Trump's administration's stance on Cuba. He echoed Rubio’s sentiments, saying, "President Trump envisions a new future for the Cuban people with greater freedom and economic and political opportunities."
Cuba's Energy Crisis Worsens
Cuba's energy situation has become dire. Since January 2026, Venezuela's supply of approximately 70,000 barrels per day was halted following Nicolás Maduro's capture.
The island experienced a record electrical deficit of 2,153 MW on May 13, leading to blackouts lasting up to 22 hours in Havana. Cuba’s Energy Minister, Vicente de la O Levy, acknowledged the severe shortage, admitting the island had "absolutely no fuel or diesel."
Rubio was firm in his resolve, stating, "We will continue to target the communist regime's ability to use its energy trade to advance its corrupt agenda and violently suppress the Cuban people."
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What is the significance of Executive Order 14404?
Executive Order 14404, issued by President Trump, allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions on entities that contribute to the Cuban regime's oppressive practices, such as CUPET, by freezing their assets and threatening secondary sanctions.
How do these sanctions affect Cuba's energy sector?
The sanctions on CUPET severely impact Cuba's energy sector by targeting its oil and fuel supply chains, leading to significant power shortages and extended blackouts across the island.
What was Vanguard Energy's agreement with CUPET?
Vanguard Energy had reached an agreement to lease facilities from CUPET and deliver over 250,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel per trip to Cuba, but the sanctions blocked this arrangement.