SUMMARY
For months, the Trump administration has ramped up pressure and threats against Cuba. A de facto oil blockade now means hours of blackouts, plus food and water shortages for millions on the iss.land. While President Trump has threatened a takeover, Cuban officials say they're still willing to talk. Amna Nawaz discussed the tensions with Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba's deputy foreign minister.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What do you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.
News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. See the Google doc above for discussion questions.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What does a de facto oil blockade entail?
- Who is Carlos Fernández de Cossío, and what is his background?
- What political orgnization is in control of Cuba?
- How many hours a day are people living without power each day in Cuba?
- Which two countries does de Cossío say the U.S. has more relations with than Cuba itself?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
In this segment, de Cossío argues that the United States is committing an "international crime...inducing a humanitarian crisis in Cuba." Do you agree with this statement based on what you learned in the segment? Why or why not?
Media literacy: Imagine the United States had blackouts. How much would that affect you in your day-to-day life? What are some problems you might encounter that can't be resolved?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
On January 3, 2026, the United States conducted a large military operation in Venezuela, capturing the president and his wife. For years, Venezuela supplied Cuba with crude oil, while Cuba offered military and intelligence personnel. With the U.S. temporarily controlling Venezuela, Cuba has been pressured to surrender to the U.S. through sanctions.
With that in mind, watch this video from the New York Times titled "How the U.S. Is Aiming for Regime Change in Cuba," and answer the following questions:
- Do you think the United States will attempt to control Cuba similar to the way it has attacked and controlled Venzuela? Why or why not?
- What do you think is the United States main goal for Cuba?
Written by PBS News Hour Classroom's Intern Sophia Sharaa with editing from News Hour Classroom's Luke Gerwe
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