Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba

1/29/2026

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

National Security Threat: Declares a national emergency due to the policies and actions of the Government of Cuba, which supports hostile foreign actors (Russia, PRC, Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah) and promotes terrorism, destabilization, and human rights violations.
Tariff System Implementation: Establishes a new tariff system imposing an additional ad valorem duty on imports from any foreign country that directly or indirectly provides oil to Cuba. The system is designed to address the security threat posed by Cuba’s alliances and economic support to adversaries.
Agency Coordination and Determinations:
- Secretary of Commerce: Responsible for monitoring oil sales to Cuba and issuing necessary rules and guidance.
- Secretary of State: In consultation with multiple agencies, determines whether to impose additional tariffs and recommends further action.
- Other Agencies: Involvement of the Treasury, Homeland Security, and USTR in the tariff assessment process.
Modification Authority: Grants the President the power to modify the order based on changing circumstances, new information, or potential retaliatory actions by foreign countries.
Monitoring and Reporting: Requires continuous monitoring by the Secretary of State and recurring reports to Congress on the national emergency and actions taken under this order.
Delegation of Authority: Authorizes the Secretaries of State and Commerce (and their respective agencies) to take all necessary measures, including issuing regulations and guidance, to implement the order.
Definitions and Scope: Clarifies key terms such as “oil,” “indirectly,” “Cuba,” and “Government of Cuba” to ensure proper implementation, affecting not only Cuba but any supporting intermediaries or third parties.
Effective Date and Legal Provisions: Effective at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 30, 2026; supersedes any conflicting previous directives and includes severability and general provisions ensuring continuity of related emergency actions.

Risks & Considerations

The imposition of additional tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba could lead to increased costs for imported goods. This may affect Vanderbilt University’s operational costs if any goods or services are impacted by these tariffs, particularly those related to research equipment, technology, or international collaborations.
Heightened tensions with Cuba and its allies could lead to increased geopolitical instability, impacting international students and faculty from affected regions. This may necessitate adjustments in the university’s international engagement strategies and support services for affected individuals.
The Executive Order may lead to changes in federal research funding priorities, particularly in areas related to national security, foreign policy, and international relations. Vanderbilt may need to realign its research focus or seek alternative funding sources to mitigate potential impacts.
Vanderbilt’s programs focusing on Latin American studies and international diplomacy may experience changes in curriculum demand or external partnerships, potentially requiring strategic realignment to maintain relevance and attractiveness to students.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Studies programs may need to adjust their curriculum to address the evolving geopolitical landscape and offer insights into the implications of such Executive Orders.
The Center for Latin American Studies might see increased interest in understanding the impact of U.S. foreign policies on the region, providing opportunities for expanded research and public discourse.
The Office of Global Safety may need to enhance travel advisories and safety protocols for students and faculty traveling to countries affected by the order, especially those with ties to Cuba.
Vanderbilt’s research initiatives in international law and human rights could be impacted by shifts in federal funding priorities, necessitating proactive engagement with policymakers to secure support for ongoing projects.

Financial Impact

Potential cost increases for imported goods due to tariffs could affect the budget for university operations, procurement, and research activities.
Changes in U.S. foreign policy priorities might influence the availability of federal grants, affecting funding for research projects related to international studies and geopolitical analysis.
Increased geopolitical tensions could impact global partnerships and collaborations, potentially affecting tuition revenue from international students and joint research projects.
Opportunities may arise for securing funding focused on national security and foreign policy research, providing Vanderbilt with pathways to engage in high-impact projects relevant to current U.S. priorities.

Relevance Score: 3 (Moderate risks involving compliance or ethical considerations due to the geopolitical and economic implications of the order.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s International Relations Department should analyze the geopolitical implications of the executive order on Cuba. This analysis can assist in understanding the potential impacts on international collaborations and research opportunities, particularly in the Western Hemisphere.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in U.S. foreign policy and trade regulations to anticipate potential impacts on Vanderbilt’s partnerships and research funding, especially those involving countries mentioned in the order.
Vanderbilt’s Economic Department could utilize this opportunity to study the effects of tariffs and international sanctions on global trade, providing insights into economic policies and their broader implications. This research could be published to influence policymakers.

Opportunities

The executive order offers a chance for Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies to engage in thought leadership on the political and economic dynamics between the U.S. and Cuba. This could include hosting forums and discussions, increasing the center’s visibility.
Vanderbilt’s Law School can explore the legal ramifications of the order, potentially providing expert analysis on international law, human rights, and trade regulations. This expertise can be leveraged to attract media attention and influence policy debates.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order necessitates some adjustments in research focus and monitoring of international partnerships.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

Effective Date: January 30, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time

This order takes effect immediately on January 30, 2026, with all subsequent actions to be initiated from that date, and no additional delay periods are provided.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Commerce: Charged with monitoring foreign countries’ oil sales to Cuba, issuing necessary rules and guidance, and making findings that trigger further tariff actions.
Department of State: Tasked with coordinating with other key agencies, issuing recommendations, setting rules for tariff imposition, and reporting to Congress on developments regarding the national emergency.
Department of the Treasury: Consulted to help determine the scope and implementation of additional tariffs in response to foreign oil transfers to Cuba.
Department of Homeland Security: Involved in consultations on tariff actions and security measures associated with the national emergency.
United States Trade Representative (USTR): Engaged in consultations to assess the imposition of additional tariffs on goods from foreign countries supplying oil to Cuba.
Congress: Receives recurring and final reports regarding the national emergency and the actions taken pursuant to this order.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Although not directly implementing tariff actions, its functions related to budgetary and administrative proposals are protected under this order.

Relevance Score: 3 (Approximately 6-10 key agencies are impacted by this order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Commerce – Tasked with monitoring and determining whether a foreign country directly or indirectly provides oil to Cuba, issuing rules, regulations, and guidance necessary to implement the order.
Secretary of State – In consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, responsible for determining tariff impositions, monitoring the national emergency, and providing timely recommendations and reports to the President and Congress.
Secretary of the Treasury – Consulted by the Secretary of State to help determine the appropriate degree of tariff imposition.
Secretary of Homeland Security – Consulted by the Secretary of State regarding tariff determinations and overall implementation.
United States Trade Representative – Consulted by the Secretary of State as part of the decision-making process related to tariff measures.
Heads of all executive departments and agencies – Authorized to take all appropriate measures within their respective agencies to implement and effectuate this order, including redelegating authority as necessary.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directly impacts multiple Cabinet-level officials and agency heads responsible for national security and economic actions.)