Foreign Policy for America 2026 Leadership Summit

The Trump administration’s oil embargo, strong-arming of regional partners, and declaration of Cuba as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” have not only intensified suffering on the island but also raised questions about American influence and credibility. This session will explore the administration’s motivations for pursuing regime change, the consequences for the Cuban people, and the short- and long-term implications for U.S.-Latin American relations.


Speakers:

1. María José Espinosa, Executive Director, Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA)
2. Juan Gonzalez, Resident Fellow, Georgetown America’s Institute
3. Ricardo Herrero, Executive Director, Cuba Study Group
4. Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02)

Moderator:
Francesca Chambers, White House Correspondent, USA Today

In January 2026, the Trump administration announced an unprecedented expansion of the global gag rule, weaponizing foreign aid and jeopardizing decades-long diplomatic and humanitarian partnerships across the globe. The revised policy—which covers new issues, new entities, and new funding—threatens people’s freedoms, health, rights, and lives, by restricting access to a range of health and humanitarian services, silencing doctors and experts and advocates, and erasing whole communities.

Through this session, attendees will learn how the expanded “rule” weakens U.S. investments in foreign assistance and global health and undermines universal human rights. Panelists will discuss strategies to mitigate the harm of this policy in the short term and consider a path forward for an effective, collaborative, and sustainable foreign aid infrastructure that affirms the dignity of all people. 


Speakers:

1. Keifer Buckingham, Managing Director, Council for Global Equality
2. Desirée Cormier Smith, Co-Founder and Co-President, the Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice
3. Caitlin Horrigan, Senior Director, Global Advocacy at Planned Parenthood Federation of America
4. Sadia Kidwai, Senior Policy Advocate, Women’s Refugee Commission

Moderator:
Stephanie Psaki, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Brown University School of Public Health