Cuba is a Gaza Without Bombs
- Karen Levi
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
I predicted several months ago that Cuba would be Trump's next victim. Based on an interview I heard by a New York Times reporter, my instincts are correct. Trump and his advisors are destroying the island by stopping the shipment of fuel and other necessities to the country. In March 2026, Trump said, "I can do anything I want with the country."
Children studying Cuban dance, 2016
I visited Cuba ten years ago. Thanks to the Obama administration, the relations between the U.S. and Cuba had been normalizing. Due to Obama's efforts, the Cuban government under Raul Castro eased the state's control on agriculture, tourism, and real estate. I saw a country beset by problems yet alive with possibilities--in education, business, and tourism. People worked as private business soared. The electricity was on. Water ran from faucets. Numerous Americans visited the country which boosted the economy. The government remained an obstacle to progress, but hope abounded.
Privately owned business, 2016
Since Trump took office for his first term and now a second time, he has imposed severe restrictions and again designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism. Consequently, no more tourism, possibilities for Cubans to travel, and a broken economy. Biden eased some of the restrictions between Trump's two terms.
It should be noted that tourism enabled visitors to learn about Cuba and its people, including the food, culture, art, and music. Cuba had a rich source of talent and creativity; now its citizens are floundering and losing hope. Older individuals and the very young are getting sicker (and probably dying due to a serious lack of medicines).
Store window, 2016
Trump signed an executive order placing tariffs on goods from third countries that help Cuba. This action has placed Mexico in a difficult position, countering the U.S. policy but providing needed aid. As of May 2026, the Mexican government and non governmental Mexican organizations shipped fuel and non perishable food and hygiene products to the island. Countries, large and small, from South and Central America, Canada, Europe, and Asia assist Cuba as well.
The obvious question is what does Trump want? He insists on regime change and eventual control much like what has occurred in Venezuela. Cuba has been a pawn for powerful countries since the fall of the Batista government in 1959. Cuba has come to the negotiation table to make an economic deal, but the leaders of the current Cuban government refuse to step down. The governments in Cuba, for the last 60 plus years, have not championed human rights and caused innumberable difficulties for the people. Freedom has been curtailed during the various Communist regimes. Nonetheless, Trump is not permitted to force a change in government.
As of now, the U.S. strategy for Cuba is a slow death by starvation and deprivation, not unlike what has been done to Gaza and Lebanon by Israel and Venezuela by our government. For some reason, Cuba has not made the headlines. Cuba has sponsored terrorists operating in Colombia but unlike Gaza and Lebanon, has not threatened neighboring countries. However, Trump maintains Cuba abets terrorists.
Cuba was removed from the State Sponsored Terrorism List in 2015 by the Obama administration. Curiously, the Trump government immediately reversed that decision during his first and second terms. (Biden had eased restrictions.) Politics, power, and the possibility of filling his coffers with more money, motivate Trump to make deadly decisions for the people of Cuba.
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I do not hear or see protests about the treatment of Cuba, similar to what Israel has inflicted on Gaza. Why are the most vocal progressives using the Israel/Gaza conflict as part of their agenda but ignoring a country 90 miles to the south of our border? For that matter, why are these same politicians and influencers disregarding other horrendous situations in the world? In this case why are we not hearing progressive politicians and the media using Cuba's destruction as a talking point?
©Karen Levi 2026
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