Trump Reinstates Strict Cuba Policy, Targeting Tourism and Military Ties

In a recent memorandum, President Trump has signaled a return to stringent policies regarding Cuba, dealing a blow to tourism and reinforcing economic sanctions against the government, as discontent among Cuban-Americans grows.

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to toughen restrictions on Cuba through a newly signed memorandum. This memorandum aims to reverse the more lenient policies that were introduced under the Biden administration. According to the White House, the enforcement of existing prohibitions on American tourists traveling to Cuba will be significantly amplified, with a particular focus on counteracting international appeals, including from the United Nations, urging an end to the US economic embargo against the socialist state.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned the memorandum, stating that it exacerbates aggression and strengthens the economic blockade that adversely affects all Cuban citizens and obstructs national development. The White House's detailed fact sheet disclosed intentions to terminate economic practices that primarily benefit the Cuban government and military, often at the expense of the Cuban populace.

While US citizens are already barred from traveling solely for tourism, there exist twelve permissible reasons for travel such as family visits, education, humanitarian efforts, and sports events. The new memorandum stipulates strict adherence to this existing policy, mandating regular audits and comprehensive record-keeping of travel-related transactions for a minimum span of five years. Additionally, it prohibits direct business transactions between US citizens and GAESA, a large conglomerate managed by the Cuban military which owns numerous hotels across the island.

Tourism is a vital source of foreign currency for the Cuban government; however, visitor numbers have plummeted due to escalating shortages and widespread power outages have left many parts of the island dark. The memorandum emphasizes President Trump's dedication to promoting a liberated and democratic Cuba, expressing intentions to alleviate the enduring hardships of the Cuban populace under a Communist regime.

This latest policy builds upon measures initiated during Trump's initial presidential term and has garnered significant support from the Cuban-American community in the US. Nevertheless, his decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cubans and other migrant groups has led to disappointment among many Cuban-Americans, further complicating sentiments toward his administration's stance on Cuba.