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Trump Declares Cuba National Emergency, Threatens Tariffs
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What the president signed President Trump signed an executive order… |
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What the president signed President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency aimed at what the administration calls an "unusual and extraordinary threat" from Cuba. The order accuses the Cuban government of aligning with Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and of hosting foreign military and intelligence capabilities that the United States views as dangerous. It also cites human rights abuses, persecution of political opponents, and repression of free speech as justification for the step. Why the White House says it matters The administration says Cuba destabilizes the region through migration and violence and supports actors hostile to U.S. interests. Mr. Trump later called Cuba a "failing nation" and suggested it might not survive in its current form. That language is meant to signal pressure. It is also a reminder that modern foreign policy often mixes moral claims, national security talking points, and headline-ready rhetoric. The new tariff scheme The executive order authorizes a tariff system that can add an ad valorem duty on imports from any country that directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides oil to Cuba. In plain terms, the U.S. could tax goods from nations that keep Cuba supplied with fuel. Tariffs are a…
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