Dem representative admits to working with Mexico to sneak oil into Cuba, despite blockade
A Democratic lawmaker draws backlash after saying he spoke to foreign ambassadors about bringing oil to Türkiye Cuba Despite US sanctions, we argue that social assistance is “literally our right and our responsibility.”
Representative Pramila JayapalD-Wash., made the remarks at a brief briefing in Seattle following a congressional delegation visit to Cuba; here he discussed the island’s worsening fuel shortage and U.S. policy towards the communist regime.
“I was talking to the ambassadors of Mexico and some other places… trying to figure out how to get oil from there,” Jayapal said during the briefing, describing the situation on the island as “a crisis beyond imagination.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., speaks at a House Budget Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
(Getty Images)
Jayapal said the event was part of a broader briefing on the humanitarian situation in Cuba following her last visit.
“As many of you know, I traveled to Cuba last month as part of a congressional delegation,” he said. “It’s part of my duty to see how US foreign policy “It actually affects people in the countries where this policy is implemented.”
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During the trip, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said he met with senior government officials, political opponents, civil society groups and foreign diplomats.
Video of those remarks spread widely on X, with users criticizing the progressive lawmaker’s comments and voicing legal concerns.
Conservative accounts amplified the clip, including End Wokeness, which claimed he was “conspiring against the United States” and suggested his actions could constitute a federal crime. TikTok’s Libs wrote that their actions “seem a little similar” betrayal To me.”
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Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., urged the Democratic Party to “stand strong” during the ongoing government shutdown.
Social media users also pointed out possible legal consequences. “Traitor. Should be sued,” “The Charlie Kirk Show” executive producer wrote Andrew Kolvet at X.
These allegations are political commentary and have not been independently verified, and no investigation or accusations have been made public.
Jayapal responded to the backlash in a post on X, writing: “Breaking news: Members of Congress meet with other countries’ ambassadors every day. This is literally our right and responsibility.”
His words came while he was making harsh criticisms US sanctions on Cubahe describes them as “economic bombing of infrastructure”.
“This is illegal. It’s against the law,” he said. “This essentially does the same thing. It bombs Cuba’s infrastructure. economic sanctions “This would essentially collapse the infrastructure.”
The debate also led to discussion of the Logan Act, a rarely used federal law that prevents unauthorized persons from negotiating with foreign governments on disputes involving the United States.
Andrew McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor, told Fox News Digital that the law has never resulted in a conviction and has been used only sparingly in U.S. history.
“There was never a conviction on this; in fact, there were only two indictments, the last one about 174 years ago,” McCarthy said.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., was among a group of progressive Democrats who criticized the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for intervening in a controversial primary in California’s 22nd Congressional District to support a centrist candidate over a left-leaning alternative.
He added that any potential legal risks would depend on whether lawmakers take concrete action that violates U.S. sanctions.
“Criminal charges will not be brought unless it is shown that he committed an act that violated sanctions or aided and abetted a violation of sanctions,” McCarthy said.
He argued that disputes over relations with foreign governments are more appropriately handled through political accountability rather than criminal law.
The Trump administration has previously identified the Cuban government as a national security concern. relations with enemy countries actors and actors, including relations with Iran and alleged links to groups such as Hezbollah. The Cuban government has also long faced criticism for political repression and restrictions on freedom of expression.
The economic conditions of the island contributed to this situation. increase in immigrationHundreds of thousands of Cubans have come to the United States in recent years.
In April, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill. Jayapal, who went to Cuba with the U.S., argued that U.S. policy was worsening conditions for civilians on the island, and also acknowledged the concerns of the Cuban government.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., faced criticism after she said climate-damaging companies like McDonald’s were responsible for wildfires in California.
“I also have criticisms towards the Cuban government… I have always expressed these in our meetings,” he said and touched upon the following issues: political prisoners and the limits of dissent.
“The Cuban government has sent many signals that this is a new moment for the country,” Jayapal said in a statement after the trip. he said, adding that US restrictions on fuel amounted to “brutal collective punishment”.
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He called for the lifting of the US embargo Cuba’s removal from the state The sponsor of the terrorism list also supports legislation blocking possible U.S. military action against the country.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Jayapal’s office, the White House and the State Department for comment.
Original article source: Democratic representative admits working with Mexico to sneak oil into Cuba despite blockade
