The tumultuous relationship has its roots in the Cold War when Fidel Castro seized power in Havana and overthrew the U.S.-backed government of Fulgencio Batista. A woman shops at a farmers' market beneath a portrait of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Havana on June 18.Yamil Lage / AFP via Getty ImagesJune 22, 2026, 9:59 AM EDTBy CFR EditorsThis article was originally published on CFR.org and updated by NBC News.Communist Cuba has long been a major foreign policy challenge for the United States. The second Trump administration has ushered in a period of renewed strain in bilateral relations, marked by tougher rhetoric and tighter U.S. sanctions.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.
U.S.-Cuba relations explained
The tumultuous relationship has its roots in the Cold War when Fidel Castro seized power in Havana and overthrew the U.S.-backed government of Fulgencio Batista.
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