Trump's Hard-Line Memo Reignites U.S.-Cuba Tensions

President Donald Trump on Monday enacted a hard-line policy toward Cuba, reversing measures set by former President Joe Biden. The new directive, confirmed by the White House, integrates a statutory prohibition on U.S. tourism to the island and endorses the existing economic embargo.

While travel for education and humanitarian purposes remains, Trump, an outspoken critic of the Cuban government, swiftly acted to reinstate Cuba on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism upon taking office in January. The directive also introduces partial restrictions on the entry of Cuban nationals into the U.S.

The memorandum renews a prohibition on financial dealings with Cuban military-controlled entities like Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), with exceptions for actions aligning with U.S. objectives. This policy shift has prompted Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez to condemn the enhanced embargo as a violation of human rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)