Trump’s Cuba Policy Is Backing Mexico Into a Corner
Foreign Policy
by Oscar LopezFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. government has intensified its pressure on Cuba by designating it a national security threat and imposing sanctions that target oil exports from Mexico, which is Cuba’s primary supplier after Venezuela ceased shipments. President Donald Trump’s executive order threatens punishing tariffs on countries that continue to supply oil to Cuba, effectively pressuring Mexico to halt its support for the island nation. Mexico, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, has reduced its oil shipments to Cuba and now faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining ties with Cuba and avoiding U.S. reprisals.
The situation is complicated by Trump’s broader strategy to expand U.S. influence in Latin America, using security and migration policies as leverage. Mexico has appeased Washington by deploying troops to the U.S. border, arresting cartel leaders, and collaborating on military operations against drug cartels. Despite these efforts, Sheinbaum has emphasized Mexico’s sovereignty and its tradition of solidarity with Cuba, even as she seeks to avoid a rupture in relations with the United States.
The impact on Cuba has been severe, with energy rationing, halted flights, and medical facilities struggling due to fuel shortages. Sheinbaum has vowed humanitarian aid but remains cautious about resuming oil shipments, fearing U.S. retaliation. Meanwhile, Trump’s aggressive policies have strained U.S.-Mexico relations, raising tensions over issues like trade agreements and border security.
This diplomatic standoff highlights the delicate power dynamics in the region, with Mexico caught between its historical alliances and U.S. pressure to conform to Washington’s Latin America strategy. The outcome of this confrontation will shape regional stability and influence, making it a critical issue for international observers.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/23/2026