Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez has once again called out the Mexican government, accusing it of undermining U.S. foreign policy through its oil shipments to the Cuban regime.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Republican legislator claimed, “Mexico continues its pathetic attempts to undermine U.S. foreign policy by sending oil to the brutal dictatorship in Cuba.” He also referenced an article from the Washington Examiner discussing Mexico's dilemma in the face of an ultimatum from former President Donald Trump.
The piece by journalist Maydeen Merino highlights the significant diplomatic and geopolitical implications facing Mexico as it considers resuming crude exports to Havana, despite Trump's threats to impose tariffs on countries maintaining energy trade with the communist regime.
Giménez’s latest remarks add to a series of recent criticisms directed at Sheinbaum, whom he has accused of "betrayal" by supporting a "murderous dictatorship" with oil supplies. This appears to be part of a more aggressive political stance from Washington.
Earlier in January, Giménez warned that the United States would not tolerate oil shipments to Cuba during the renegotiation of trade agreements with Mexico. He stated, “The Mexican government is undermining U.S. policy, and we will not tolerate such a significant betrayal.”
In another public statement, Giménez emphasized that “each barrel of oil arriving in Havana strengthens a murderous dictatorship,” and even expressed his intention to address the issue directly with the Mexican leader during a visit to Mexico City.
The article cited by Giménez notes that Mexico became the primary oil supplier to Cuba after the U.S. captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and halted shipments from Venezuela to Havana.
According to the publication, Mexico temporarily suspended shipments in mid-January, denying it was due to Trump's pressure. However, this week Pemex CEO Víctor Rodríguez stated that Mexico would continue exports to Cuba “as long as there is available product,” as reported by Reuters.
Rodríguez himself confirmed that Pemex supplied Cuba with oil and derivatives worth $496 million last year.
Amid the ongoing tensions, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba, part of a strategy to economically suffocate the regime.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also bolstered the Republican administration's hardline rhetoric, recently telling the Senate that the United States “would love” to see a regime change in Cuba.
Meanwhile, the crisis on the island continues to worsen. Fuel shortages have led to widespread blackouts across the country, including in Havana, affecting transportation, food prices, and daily life for millions of Cubans.
Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged this week that the government would announce a plan to address the energy deficit, although he once again blamed the U.S. embargo for the situation.
Giménez, a prominent Cuban-American congressman known for his hardline stance against Havana, has openly supported using sanctions and tariffs as a means to push the regime “to the brink.”
In a recent interview with Fox News, he asserted that “it's time to strangle the regime,” describing the situation as a necessary “bitter medicine” to eradicate communism on the island.
U.S. Foreign Policy and Cuba
Why is Carlos Giménez critical of Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba?
Carlos Giménez criticizes Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba because he believes they undermine U.S. foreign policy and support the Cuban dictatorship.
What actions has the U.S. taken against countries supplying oil to Cuba?
The U.S. has imposed tariffs on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba, as part of a strategy to economically pressure the Cuban regime.
How does the oil shipment issue impact Cuba?
The oil shipment issue exacerbates Cuba's energy crisis, leading to blackouts and affecting essential services like transportation and food supply.