On May 1, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order imposing sanctions on individuals and entities connected to the Government of Cuba.
The order cites the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14380 of January 29, 2026, and determines that Cuba's policies and actions continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to US national security and foreign policy.
Sanctionable Conduct
The order blocks property and interests in property of any foreign person determined to:
- Operate in sectors of the Cuban economy including energy, defense, metals and mining, financial services, or security.
- Be owned, controlled, or acting on behalf of the Government of Cuba or blocked persons.
- Have materially assisted the Government of Cuba or blocked persons.
- Be a leader, official, or board member of the Government of Cuba or blocked entities.
- Be a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the Government of Cuba.
- Be responsible for serious human rights abuses or corruption related to Cuba.
- Be an adult family member of a designated person.
Travel Restrictions
The order suspends entry into the United States of aliens meeting the sanction criteria, with exceptions for national interest.
Foreign Financial Institutions
The Treasury Secretary may impose sanctions on foreign financial institutions that conduct significant transactions for blocked persons, including prohibiting correspondent accounts and blocking property.
Implementation
The Secretaries of State and Treasury are delegated authority to implement the order through regulations and other actions.
Background
The executive order builds on the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14380 on January 29, 2026, which addressed threats from the Government of Cuba. The order asserts that Cuba's policies harm the US and are inconsistent with democratic values.