Cuba is facing a deepening economic crisis exacerbated by U.S. sanctions enacted under former President Donald Trump, who has been accused of trying to reverse progress made in U.S.-Cuba relations. An executive order signed by Trump threatens to impose tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba, leading to immediate consequences such as suspended flights and rising shortages of fuel and essential goods. The blockade has resulted in long queues at gas stations and decreased public transport availability, highlighting the dire state of the island’s economy.

Authorities are struggling to manage the situation as power cuts affect essential services including hospitals and state institutions, further complicating the humanitarian crisis. Lillian Guerra, a Professor of Cuban and Caribbean History, emphasizes the implications of Trump’s policies on Cuba, which not only impact the economy but also the social fabric of the country. The sanctions have intensified public discontent, leading to fears of unrest amidst an already struggling population.

The blockade exemplifies the longstanding tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, and the recent developments set back any hopes for normalization. As Cuba navigates through this crisis, the implications for its people and the future of its relationships with both the U.S. and other nations remain critically uncertain, underscoring the economic and political challenges that the country faces now more than ever.