The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Cuba’s state-owned oil and gas company, Union Cuba-Petroleo (Cupet). According to the White House, Cuba is accused of aligning with and providing support for hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign actors adverse to the United States, including the Government of the Russian Federation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to CFR.org, stated on March 17, 2026, that Cuba’s economy and political system must change dramatically, and that the end goal of U.S. policies toward Cuba is to bring about political and economic liberalization, including the potential removal of President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power. A report by Hindustan Times stated that Rubio asserted key assets of Cupet were unlawfully expropriated from American owners years ago. CFR.org reported that the sanctions have contributed to fuel shortages, sharp price increases, and prolonged power outages in Cuba, including three nationwide blackouts in March 2026. According to SCMP, senior Chinese and Cuban officials held a video conference to discuss bilateral cooperation and party-to-party ties. President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had 'ended the war with Iran,' but Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said reports of a deal were 'merely speculation.' Trump also claimed that the FBI ushered rioters inside the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and that the 172 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers did so out of fear of harsher sentences. He said there was evidence supporting these claims but offered no specifics. Trump proposed a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, which critics claimed would be used to pay his allies and supporters, including some who took part in the January 6 riot.