Congressional Black Caucus Presses Trump on Cuba

A growing humanitarian emergency in Cuba has prompted renewed pressure on the Trump administration, with the Congressional Black Caucus calling for the immediate removal of sanctions and the restoration of fuel supplies to the island.

In a letter addressed to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Yvette D. Clarke argued that recent U.S. policies have intensified economic hardship for ordinary Cubans and contributed to worsening living conditions across the country. The caucus contends that the administration’s oil blockade, imposed earlier this year, has prevented fuel from entering Cuba and deepened an already severe crisis.

Clarke warned that the impact of the measures is being felt most acutely by civilians, citing reports of rising infant mortality, food shortages and deteriorating healthcare services.

“Under the administration’s oil blockade and tightening of sanctions, Cubans are dying,” Clarke wrote. Referring to reporting by The New York Times, she said Cuba’s infant mortality rate has more than doubled since 2018, a trend she linked to sanctions and worsening shortages. According to the letter, increasing numbers of undernourished pregnant women and newborns are struggling to survive due to limited access to adequate food and medical care.

The caucus also described serious strains on Cuba’s healthcare system. The letter states that hospitals are facing shortages of antibiotics, medicines and essential equipment. It further claims that power outages have disrupted vaccine storage and forced medical personnel to take extraordinary measures to keep patients alive during blackouts.

While criticizing the administration’s approach, the Congressional Black Caucus said the policies contradict longstanding American commitments to humanitarian principles and global justice. The lawmakers argued that sanctions intended to pressure the Cuban government have instead inflicted disproportionate harm on ordinary citizens.

Particular concern was expressed for the eastern provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín and Las Tunas, areas noted in the letter for their strong Afro Cuban heritage. Clarke said the energy crisis, combined with ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, has placed additional burdens on residents of those communities.

“Enough is enough,” Clarke wrote. “The Congressional Black Caucus will not stand by and allow this administration to continue this barbaric policy that generates unimaginable human suffering in Cuba.” She urged the administration to end the oil blockade, lift sanctions and ensure Cubans have access to the basic resources needed to sustain life on the island.

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