GOP Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart
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Cuban-American lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to intensify its pressure campaign on the Caribbean country's regime, arguing the island's leadership is in a weaker position than at any time in recent decades.
In fact, one lawmaker described the proposed strategy as "zero tolerance and total pressure," according to reporting by The New York Post.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said during a recent press conference that fuel shortages, intensified by the Maduro capture in Venezuela and U.S. tariff threats on countries that supply oil to the island, could prevent the government from guaranteeing electricity and other basic functions.
While he expressed openness to talks with Washington, he said Cuba's sovereignty is not negotiable and that the country is preparing a "defense plan." "We aren't in a state of war," he said, "but we are preparing ourselves in case we have to move to a state of war."
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Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) told The New York Post he believes the government in Havana is unusually fragile. "I don't think I've ever seen the regime as weak as it is right now," he said, adding that the administration should continue pressuring countries that help sustain it.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) also called for expanded measures. "What needs to happen is to increase the pressure, and what I mean by that is pressure in every way: economic, diplomatic, in every way possible," he said. "Zero tolerance and total pressure."
Oil supply has become a central issue. Mexico has historically sent crude to Cuba but recently signaled it would halt shipments. Trade data cited by The Wall Street Journal show deliveries have already dropped sharply this year. Analysts told the Post that without Venezuelan oil support, Cuba's economy could deteriorate quickly.
A Washington Post editorial board piece also published on Monday explains that the administration's restrictions have "brought the regime to its knees" and argued the White House should seek broad political and economic change rather than limited concessions.
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Tags: Miguel Díaz-Canel, GOP Rep. Carlos Gimenez, Florida, Cuba, Trump administration, Trump Tariffs