Washington, May 24, 2026 – The Europe Today: Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Yvette D. Clarke has issued a formal letter calling on U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to end oil-related restrictions imposed on Cuba, citing what she described as a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis on the island.
In the letter released on Friday, Chairwoman Clarke urged the Trump administration to ease economic pressure on Cuba, warning that current policies have contributed to deteriorating living conditions, including rising infant mortality rates, increased food insecurity, and declining access to essential services for civilians.
“Under the administration’s oil blockade and tightening of sanctions, Cubans are dying,” Clarke wrote, referencing media reports that suggest infant mortality in Cuba has more than doubled since 2018. She further noted that shortages of food and medical support have led to increased health risks for pregnant women and newborns.
The Congressional Black Caucus, an influential caucus of African American members of the U.S. Congress, has long advocated for diplomatic engagement and humanitarian-focused foreign policy. In its appeal, the group criticized the current sanctions regime, arguing that it is exacerbating civilian suffering.
Chairwoman Clarke emphasized the urgency of policy change, stating: “Enough is enough. The Congressional Black Caucus will not stand by and allow this administration to continue this barbaric policy that generates unimaginable human suffering in Cuba. We are demanding that you end the oil blockade, lift the sanctions on Cuba, and allow the Cuban people access to the most basic resources they need to sustain life on the island.”
The letter adds to ongoing political debate in Washington over U.S. sanctions policy toward Cuba and its humanitarian impact.
