SEATTLE, Wash. (Diya TV) — Rep. Pramila Jayapal is facing criticism after comments surfaced about discussions she held with foreign diplomats regarding Cuba’s fuel shortages during a recent congressional trip to the island nation.
The Washington Democrat said she spoke with ambassadors from Mexico and other countries about possible ways to help Cuba secure oil as the country struggles through an ongoing energy crisis. Her remarks sparked backlash on social media, where critics accused her of undermining U.S. sanctions against the communist-led government. Jayapal defended the discussions and said members of Congress regularly meet with foreign officials as part of their duties.
Jayapal made the remarks during a briefing in Seattle following a congressional delegation visit to Cuba last month. She described the humanitarian situation on the island as severe and said fuel shortages have worsened living conditions for many residents.
“I was in conversations with the ambassadors from Mexico and some other places … trying to figure out how to get oil there,” Jayapal said during the event.
The congresswoman said the trip allowed lawmakers to better understand how U.S. foreign policy affects people living under sanctions. She said she met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, government officials, political dissidents, civil society groups, and foreign diplomats during the visit. Jayapal argued that the humanitarian conditions in Cuba require urgent attention. She also criticized long-standing U.S. sanctions against the island nation.
The United States has maintained economic sanctions on Cuba for decades. Supporters say the restrictions pressure the Cuban government over human rights concerns and political repression. Critics argue that the sanctions hurt ordinary citizens more than government leaders. During the Seattle briefing, Jayapal described the sanctions as harmful to Cuba’s infrastructure and economy.
“It is illegal. It is against the law,” she said. “This is essentially doing the same thing. It is bombing the infrastructure of Cuba with economic sanctions.”
Her comments quickly spread online after video clips circulated on X. Conservative commentators and political activists accused the lawmaker of attempting to work around U.S. policy.
Some critics referenced the Logan Act, an old federal law that prohibits unauthorized citizens from negotiating with foreign governments in disputes involving the United States. Legal experts have long noted that prosecutions under the law are extremely rare. No investigation or criminal charges related to Jayapal’s comments have been publicly announced.
Several conservative social media accounts amplified the controversy. Some users accused Jayapal of acting against U.S. interests, while others questioned whether members of Congress should engage in discussions involving sanctioned countries. The account End Wokeness claimed the congresswoman was “conspiring against the US,” while Libs of TikTok suggested the actions appeared improper. Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” also criticized Jayapal online.
Those statements remain political opinions and have not been independently verified. Jayapal later responded to the criticism in a post on X. She defended her actions and said meetings with foreign diplomats are a normal part of congressional work.
“Breaking news: Members of Congress meet with ambassadors of other countries every day,” she wrote. “That’s literally our right and responsibility.”
Members of Congress frequently travel overseas as part of congressional delegations, commonly known as CODELs. Lawmakers often meet with foreign leaders, diplomats, and advocacy groups during those visits to discuss international issues and U.S. policy. The Cuba trip comes as debate continues in Washington over sanctions policy, humanitarian concerns, and U.S. relations with Latin American nations. Fuel shortages and power outages have increased pressure on Cuba’s economy in recent years, leading to growing unrest on the island.
