In a significant reversal of Biden-era policies, President Donald Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) on June 30, reinstating and expanding restrictive measures against Cuba’s communist regime. The move marks a return to the hardline approach of Trump’s first term, with new provisions aimed at cutting financial lifelines to Cuba’s military while increasing pressure for democratic reforms.
Key Provisions of the New Cuba Policy
1. Economic Restrictions Reinstated
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- Bans transactions with Cuban military-controlled entities (including GAESA conglomerate)
- Enforces U.S. tourism ban with strict auditing of travel-related transactions
- Maintains embargo support, opposing UN efforts to lift sanctions
2. Human Rights & Accountability Measures
- Mandates review of Cuban human rights abuses, including political detentions
- Requires report on fugitives from U.S. justice harbored in Cuba
- Expands support for independent Cuban media, private enterprise, and internet freedom
3. Migration Policy
- Keeps “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” policy terminated to deter dangerous migration
- Includes Cuba in new travel ban due to:
• Designation as state sponsor of terrorism
• Non-cooperation on law enforcement
• High visa overstay rates
The NSPM reverses Biden administration policies that had eased some restrictions, arguing they “disproportionately benefited” Cuba’s military and security apparatus rather than its people. Trump’s policy instead emphasizes:
“As president, I will again stand with the people of Cuba in their long quest for justice, liberty and freedom.”
This measure comes amid renewed crackdowns on Cuban protesters and journalists, and follows recent reports of Cuban officials harboring fugitives. It also aligns with broader Trump administration foreign policy shifts.
The State Department will implement the measures immediately, with first reports on Cuban human rights abuses and harbored fugitives due within 90 days.
