The Trump administration has signed a new executive order to impose fresh sanctions on the Cuban government, continuing its strategic pressure campaign. This move signals a significant tactical shift in how the U.S. aims to influence Havana, moving away from trade tariffs and towards more direct financial restrictions.
The primary driver behind this change is a recent Supreme Court ruling. In February 2026, the court struck down the administration's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. This decision effectively removed a key tool from Washington's toolkit, forcing a pivot. The new executive order, therefore, likely focuses on other powerful mechanisms like blocking sanctions, adding entities to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, and restricting shipping and insurance services for vessels heading to Cuba.
This escalation comes at a time of extreme vulnerability for Cuba. The island is grappling with a severe energy crisis, a situation that has dramatically worsened since its primary oil supplier, Venezuela, had its flows cut off in January. Pressure from the U.S. also led Mexico to reduce its oil shipments, leaving Cuba with few alternatives. The resulting widespread blackouts have triggered protests and forced the government to implement rationing, creating significant internal pressure.
The White House appears to see this crisis as a point of maximum leverage. By tightening the