U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez has sharply criticized the administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for allegedly aiding authoritarian regimes through massive fuel shipments to Cuba. In a recent statement, Gimenez accused the Mexican government of “propping up dictatorships” by sending subsidized oil and fuel to the island nation, which is currently under U.S. sanctions.
The controversy intensified after reports revealed that Mexico tripled its fuel shipments to Cuba between May and August 2025, dispatching 58 cargoes valued at nearly 60 billion pesos—a dramatic increase compared to previous years. The shipments were reportedly carried out by Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and its subsidiary Gasolinas Bienestar, raising concerns about transparency and political motives.
Gimenez specifically pointed to one vessel involved in the deliveries that has been blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury Department for violating sanctions. He warned that continued support for Cuba’s communist regime could jeopardize Mexico’s standing with the United States, particularly under the terms of the USMCA trade agreement.
“If Mexico wants to behave like Venezuela or Cuba, then it should be treated accordingly,” Gimenez said, urging the US government to reevaluate its diplomatic and economic ties with Mexico.
In response, President Sheinbaum defended the shipments as part of Mexico’s humanitarian commitments and asserted that they do not violate international agreements. She emphasized the country’s sovereignty in foreign policy decisions and dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.
The dispute has sparked debate on Capitol Hill and in Mexico, with critics questioning the alignment of Morena’s foreign policy with democratic values. As tensions rise, the issue may influence future trade and diplomatic negotiations between the two nations.
Source: Latinus
