When President John F. Kennedy enacted the 1962 embargo that halted all imports from Cuba, he altered U.S.–Cuba relations for years to come.
By Oliver Bennett • February 28, 2026 • Share However, the decision came with an unexpected twist. Aware that Cuban cigars would soon be prohibited, Kennedy discreetly asked his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, to procure as many as possible before the embargo took effect. The following morning, Salinger returned with about 1,200 Petit Upmanns, Kennedy’s … Read more