Washington is witnessing a clash over the future of Cuba as Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) revealed Monday that she is actively coordinating with foreign diplomats to bypass a tightening U.S. oil blockade.
Speaking at an event following her recent trip to the island, Jayapal described a humanitarian “crisis beyond imagination” triggered by a series of aggressive executive orders from the Trump administration.
The conflict centers on a de facto oil embargo enforced by the White House. In January, President Trump issued an order threatening heavy tariffs on any nation providing fuel to Cuba.
This was followed on May 1 by a broader mandate that mirrors sanctions used against Iran and Russia, targeting foreign banks and firms doing business with the island while reinforcing a ban on U.S. tourism.
Jayapal told attendees that these measures have effectively severed Cuba’s energy lifeline. “Oil shipments from Venezuela—that’s where Cuba had been getting its oil—were halted after the U.S. operations to kidnap Nicolás Maduro,” Jayapal said.
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She noted that only one Russian tanker has reached the island since January, providing a mere 10 to 14 days of fuel.
The congresswoman characterized the administration’s strategy as “economic bombing.” She argued that targeting a nation’s infrastructure via financial penalties is a violation of international law. “This is essentially doing the same thing. It is bombing the infrastructure of Cuba with economic sanctions that essentially ensure that the infrastructure collapses,” she said.
To counter the shortage, Jayapal disclosed she has been in discussions with ambassadors from Mexico and other Latin American nations to find ways to deliver oil despite the threat of U.S. retaliation.
The White House has remained firm in its stance against the Cuban government.
In March, President Trump signaled a desire for total control over the situation, suggesting he could “take” the island.
When asked for clarification by the press, the President replied, “Whether I free it, take it. I think I can do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth. They are a very weakened nation.”
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