Trump Declares National Emergency, Citing Alleged Cuba Threat
White House cites “extraordinary threat” as Washington weighs regime-change pressure, including possible oil blockade
United States | PUREWILAYAH.COM - US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency, citing what he described as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to US national security allegedly originating from Cuba.
The declaration was made through an executive order published by the White House, formally framing Cuba as a source of external danger to US national security and foreign policy.
Trump signed the order asserting that the alleged threat originates, in whole or in substantial part, from outside the United States.
Executive Order Details
According to the executive order released Thursday, the Trump administration claims that Cuba poses a significant foreign-based threat warranting emergency powers.
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the situation with respect to Cuba constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security and foreign policy of the United States and hereby declare a national emergency with respect to that threat,”
the order states.
Regime Change Strategy
A recent report by The Wall Street Journal claims that Washington is actively seeking to engineer regime change in Cuba by the end of 2026.
According to the report, the United States—emboldened by its military operation in Venezuela—is targeting individuals within the Cuban government who may be willing to collaborate with Washington.
Unnamed US officials cited by the newspaper believe that Cuba’s economy is nearing collapse due to chronic shortages, recurring power outages, and the loss of subsidized oil supplies from Venezuela.
Oil Blockade Under Consideration
Meanwhile, Politico reported on Friday that the Trump administration is considering a full oil import blockade on Cuba.
Citing three sources familiar with internal deliberations, the report said the proposal is being advanced by hardline opponents of the Cuban government within the administration and is backed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
If implemented, such a blockade would represent a major escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Havana.
Venezuela Precedent and Escalation
According to the Wall Street Journal, US policymakers have been emboldened by the recent US military operation in Venezuela.
The reported kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Cuban citizens—has reportedly reinforced confidence among US officials that a similar operation could be pursued in Cuba.
In a January 11 post, Trump publicly threatened Cuban authorities, announcing a halt to oil and financial support.
“I strongly suggest they make a deal. BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,”
Trump wrote. (PW)