How Do Cubans Feel About Trump’s Oil Blockade?

Donald Trump’s latest executive order allows the U.S. to impose additional tariffs on countries that ship oil to Cuba, deepening the economic siege on the island.

The result isn’t abstract policy. It’s collective punishment: blackouts, long gas lines, delayed medical care and families struggling to get through the day.

We’re in Havana asking Cubans about the new measures and about what life looks like when fuel, electricity and transportation begin to disappear.

Cuba has already been suffering increasing fuel shortages since the U.S. blocked all oil going to the island from Venezuela. In recent weeks, power outages in Havana have increased.

Stay tuned for more reporting from Cuba.

TRANSCRIPT

“Donald Trump has signed an executive order allowing the United States to impose tariffs on countries that ship oil to Cuba,” Liz Oliva says. 

“The new order escalates Washington’s economic war on the island, effectively imposing a new form of collective punishment on an entire nation,” the narrator continues. 

“It’s not abstract policy. It’s blackouts, fuel shortages, delayed medical care, and families struggling to get through the day,” the journalist adds. “We’re on the streets of Havana asking Cubans how they feel after Trump’s latest announcement.” 

“Who do you think is the most affected by these measures?” the reporter asks a woman holding a child. 

“The people,” the woman responds. “Ordinary people, because there are people who don’t even know what they’re going to do anymore.” 

“Without electricity, without even minimal access to food, everything gets harder,” says Alfredo, a Havana resident. “When it’s hot, sleeping is extremely difficult. You spend the whole day working, and then if you can’t rest at home, it’s even harder to get up the next day.” 

“How does it affect you?” the journalist asks another man sitting on a bench. 

“In everything,” the man answers. “In the economy, in daily life, in everything. There is nothing left.” 

“You can’t go anywhere,” explains a mother walking with her daughter. “You’re always stuck at home, and you can’t even take your children out.” 

“And what about the blackouts?” the reporter follows up. 

“That’s the worst part,” the woman says. “People lose food when the power goes out at night, especially what children need.” 

“Why are there so many cars waiting here?” the journalist asks a taxi driver in Havana. 

“Because we don’t have fuel to work,” the driver replies. 

“We’re waiting to get gas so we can fulfill our social duties,” explains another driver in line. “Dialysis patients, funeral services, schools without family support. That’s what these vehicles are for, and all of them depend on fuel.” 

“If there were no fuel at all, the entire country would come to a halt,” the first driver adds. “It’s that serious.” 

“And how long have you been waiting for gas?” the reporter asks. 

“On average, between 24 and 72 hours,” the driver answers. 

“Public transportation depends on fuel,” he continues. “We work with patients, dialysis, all of that. Without gas, people can’t receive treatment in hospitals.” 

“Has this situation always been like this?” the journalist asks. 

“No,” the driver responds. “In the last month, the situation with hydrocarbons has gotten much worse.” 

“Everything is Trump’s fault,” another man says bluntly. “There’s nothing else to explain it.” 

“Do you think it’s fair that the United States decides whether oil can enter Cuba?” the reporter asks. 

“No, of course not,” a resident replies. “They’re already taking measures against other countries that want to do business with Cuba.” 

“The country’s fundamental unit is the family,” he continues. “And that’s where it hurts the most. That’s where Cuba is bleeding because of these measures.” 

“They say it’s for the good of Cubans,” says a 61-year-old woman in Havana. “But it’s not for our good. It’s what’s harming all Cubans.” 

“I don’t understand how a country like the United States tries to tell the whole world what to do, wanting to rule everyone and destroy Cuba,” she adds. “They’re not going to destroy us.” 

“I’m 61 years old, and for as long as I can remember, it’s been blockade after blockade,” she concludes. “When will this blockade finally end?”