Rubio’s Cuba track: humanitarian aid through Catholic networks to drive political change and build 2028 electoral capital

On January 30, 2026, an executive order signed by Donald Trump entered into force, under which the President declared a national emergency due to threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests posed by the Cuban government.

The order establishes a mechanism for imposing additional tariffs on goods imported into the United States from countries that supply oil to Cuba.

Given that a change of power in Cuba through electoral means is considered impossible due to the governing monopoly of the Communist Party of Cuba, the United States is simultaneously applying sanctions, tariff, and diplomatic pressure on the island.