President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating the protection of domestic supplies of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate, citing national security concerns. This decision, based on the Defense Production Act, aims to support supply chains critical to the military and agriculture. Simultaneously, Washington is conducting behind-the-scenes talks with Raúl Castro's inner circle regarding the future of Cuba, which is grappling with a severe fuel crisis following the imposition of U.S. sanctions.

U.S. Resource Security

Donald Trump signed an executive order utilizing the Defense Production Act to protect domestic production of phosphorus and the herbicide glyphosate.

Secret Talks with Cuba

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is conducting unofficial talks with Raúl Castro's grandson, bypassing the formal government structures in Havana.

Paralysis of the Cuban Economy

U.S. sanctions on oil have led to the withdrawal of the Sherritt company and the suspension of waste removal in Cuba's capital.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday that utilizes powers derived from the Defense Production Act (DPA). The goal is to secure supplies of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate, a key ingredient in herbicides widely used in American agriculture. The White House argues that reliance on foreign suppliers threatens the country's food security, especially since there is currently only one glyphosate producer operating in the U.S.. Phosphorus, on the other hand, is essential for ammunition production and other military applications, justifying the use of defense instruments in the economy. The Defense Production Act was enacted in 1950 during the Korean War. In the 21st century, it has been used by both the Trump and Biden administrations to accelerate the production of medical equipment and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside economic actions, the State Department under the leadership of Marco Rubio is intensifying pressure on the communist regime in Havana. According to reports from Axios, the Secretary of State is holding secret talks with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson and close associate of 94-year-old Raúl Castro. U.S. officials describe these contacts as "discussions about the future," bypassing official channels of President Miguel Díaz-Canel's government. The situation on the island is critical: restrictions on oil supplies from Venezuela have led to transport paralysis and the withdrawal of foreign investors, such as the Canadian company Sherritt International. „I wouldn't call it negotiations, but rather discussions about the island's future.” — Trump administration official The fuel crisis has directly impacted Cuban tourism and municipal services. In Havana, mountains of waste are piling up on the streets due to a lack of fuel for garbage trucks, and resorts in Varadero are empty. Washington's pressure appears aimed at forcing abrupt political changes on the island, leveraging its deepest economic collapse in decades. Operational vehicles: 44, Inoperable vehicles: 62

Mentioned People

  • Donald Trump — President of the United States, who signed an executive order on protecting strategic chemical production.
  • Marco Rubio — U.S. Secretary of State conducting behind-the-scenes diplomacy with the Castro family's inner circle.
  • Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro — Grandson of Raúl Castro, known as El Cangrejo, participant in secret talks with Washington.