President Donald Trump has signed an executive order expanding US sanctions against the Cuban government, according to two White House officials. The move aims to increase pressure on Havana following the administration's challenge to Venezuela's leadership.
The new sanctions target individuals, entities and affiliates that support Cuba's security apparatus, or those complicit in corruption or serious human rights violations, officials said. Government agents, officials and supporters are also covered. The order authorises secondary sanctions for conducting or facilitating transactions with those targeted.
It was not immediately clear which specific people or entities are affected by the order, which was first reported by Reuters. The Trump administration has previously declared that Cuba is near a state of collapse, and the president has said 'Cuba is next' without specifying plans.
Officials said the order contained an implicit warning to Cuba, noting its alignment with Iran and militant groups like Hezbollah. 'Cuba provides a permissive environment for hostile foreign intelligence, military, and terrorist operations less than 100 miles from the American homeland,' one official said.
The US has long demanded Cuba open its state-run economy, pay reparations for expropriated properties and hold free elections. Cuba insists its socialist government is not negotiable. Earlier this year, the US halted Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba after ousting President Nicolás Maduro, and threatened tariffs on other crude suppliers, prompting Mexico to stop shipments. The resulting fuel shortage caused multiple national blackouts and flight suspensions.
