Perspective: Trump could push hard and risk unleashing chaos, or hold back and risk losing influence.

The energy shortage was an overwhelming problem even before Mr Trump’s attention turned to Cuba. His threat to impose tariffs on any country which supplies Cuba with oil has become an effective embargo.

Big picture: Tensions between Cuba and the United States are high. President Donald Trump declared Cuba an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the U.S. in January and put economic sanctions on nations that sell Cuba oil. A judge blocked the government from searching a Post reporter’s devices.

As the United States takes new steps against the regime that has ruled the island since 1959, the Cuban people face 20-hour blackouts, decreased internet access, and shortages of basic supplies.

The Cuban Coast Guard said a U.S.-registered speedboat entered the island’s territorial waters, and then the boat’s occupants opened fire on an approaching group of Cuban service members.

After the illegal US operation that removed Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, the issue is whether increased US pressure will lead to regime change in Cuba. Trump has urged Cuba to make a deal before it is too late,