WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – The Donald Trump administration in the United States (US) says it is taking “decisive action” to protect US national security by imposing sanctions on Cuba’s military and elites.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, on Thursday said the administration’s sanctions are aimed at depriving Cuba’s government and military of “access to illicit assets.”

Pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 14404 of May 1, 2026, “imposing sanctions on those responsible for repression in Cuba and for threats to United States national security and foreign policy”, Rubio said he “designated” Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA) for “operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Cuban economy.”