The President signed Executive Order 14404 on May 1, 2026, authorizing financial sanctions and travel restrictions against individuals and entities tied to the Government of Cuba. The directive, published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2026, blocks United States property for those determined to be operating in targeted sectors of the Cuban economy or committing human rights abuses. The order states that the actions of the Cuban government continue to pose an unusual threat to United States national security and foreign policy, building upon a national emergency initially declared in January 2026.
The order directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to identify and designate foreign persons for the sanctions. The directive specifically targets individuals operating in Cuba’s energy, defense, metals, financial services, and security sectors, as well as anyone responsible for serious human rights abuse or public corruption. The property blockade also applies to Cuban government officials, their adult family members, and any organizations providing material, financial, or technological support to the government.
Under the directive, any transactions by United States persons involving the blocked property are strictly prohibited, including the making or receiving of donations. The order also suspends unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States for the targeted individuals. However, the Secretary of State retains the authority to grant entry exceptions if an individual’s arrival is determined to be in the national interest of the United States.
The order additionally authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions on foreign financial institutions that assist targeted entities. If an institution conducts or facilitates significant transactions for blocked persons, the Treasury can prohibit its correspondent accounts in the United States and block its property. Finally, the order directs the Treasury to submit recurring and final reports to Congress detailing the authorities exercised under the national emergency.