Congress Could Mean Little Change for Hegseth’s Hard-Line Cuba Policy
Democrats seek foreign policy influence
The midterm elections brought a major victory for Democrats, who are expected to scrutinize the Trump administration’s foreign policy. Iran, support for Ukraine and Venezuelan oil are among the issues some Democrats have raised.
The change in control of both chambers has also prompted speculation about whether lawmakers will challenge Trump’s Cuba policy. The author doubts Democrats will be able to force a shift, and suggests the election results could reinforce the administration’s stance.
A long shift in Cuba policy
U.S. policy toward Cuba has changed with the balance of power in Washington. Barack Obama oversaw an easing of tensions and normalized relations, while Donald Trump reversed that course after his 2016 election. Joe Biden largely maintained Trump’s approach, with more allowance for activities supporting the Cuban people.
The United States has maintained sanctions against communist Cuba since 1961, making the embargo the longest-running in modern history. In January 2026, Trump’s administration intensified the pressure by banning oil imports, as part of a regional campaign that included the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a longtime Cuban ally.
Blockade deepens daily hardship
The oil ban has contributed to longer, more frequent blackouts. Without reliable electricity, Cubans also lack regular access to running water, while disease linked to mosquitoes, other pests and unsafe water has increased.
The article describes a medical system that often cannot treat patients unless they bring their own medicines and supplies. Inflation has soared, tourists have stopped coming, and industrial and agricultural production has declined dramatically. The author says they saw the hardship during a visit to Havana in June 2026.
Cuban leaders reject demands
The Trump administration is using economic pressure to push Cuba toward greater privatization and political democratization. The Cuban government has met some economic demands but has refused to change its personnel or authoritarian character.
Many Cubans blame the U.S. embargo for contributing to their hardship, while also faulting their own government. People the author spoke with said they believed Cuba’s leaders cared more about power and privilege than ordinary citizens. The article says President Miguel Díaz-Canel and his allies have rejected surrendering their monopoly on power.
Key points
- Democrats’ congressional gains may not produce a change in Trump’s Cuba policy.
- The January 2026 oil import ban has intensified Cuba’s economic and humanitarian difficulties.
- Cuba’s leaders have rejected demands to give up their monopoly on political power.
- The headline names Hegseth, but the article does not discuss him.