President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday imposing new sanctions on the Cuban government, authorizing the Treasury Department to block assets of designated Cuban officials and their adult family members while suspending their entry into the United States. The order also enables penalties against foreign banks facilitating transactions for sanctioned parties, restricting Cuba's access to the global financial system.

Titled "Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy," the measure expands authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. It builds on Executive Order 14380, signed January 29, which declared a national emergency over Cuba's threats to U.S. security, including alignment with Iran and Hezbollah, hosting foreign adversary facilities, and repressing its people.

Designations target leaders, officials, and entities in Cuba's energy, defense, metals and mining, financial services, and security sectors, as well as those involved in human rights abuses or corruption. Secondary sanctions apply to foreign persons or institutions providing material support or conducting significant transactions with them, including blocking U.S. correspondent accounts. No specific designations were announced immediately.

The actions come amid Cuba's economic crisis, marked by fuel shortages and blackouts after the U.S. halted Venezuelan oil shipments following Nicolas Maduro's ouster on January 3 and pressured Mexico to stop supplies. Foreign airlines have suspended flights to the island. A White House fact sheet highlighted Cuba's role in regional instability and migration pressures on the U.S.

Trump's first term saw Cuba redesignated as a state sponsor of terrorism and a reversal of Obama-era openings. Last June, he issued a memorandum strengthening sanctions on Cuba's military-controlled economy. Recent diplomacy stalled as Havana rejected demands for political prisoners' release and reforms.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the measures as part of a "genocidal" U.S. blockade. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called them "collective punishment." Experts described the order as a major escalation, potentially deterring global firms from Cuban business. The Treasury will determine implementation details.