Trump rolls back some of Obama’s openings to Cuba
President Trump on Friday rolled back some, but not all, of his predecessors historic opening to Cuba, making it more difficult to travel to and do business with the Communist-ruled island.
In a speech in Miamis Little Havana enclave, Trump said Cuban rulers were profiting from better relations with Washington but that ordinary Cuban citizens continued to be repressed.
Trump said he was completely canceling the terrible and misguided deal that President Obama forged in secret negotiations in 2014 with Pope Francis and other international leaders.
We will not be silent in the face of Communist oppression any longer," Trump said. Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba."
Cuba's leaders on Friday night criticized Trump's hostile rhetoric and said his announcement signaled a return to the coercive methods of the past.
In a letter signed by Cuba's revolutionary government and published in Granma, the ruling party's official mouthpiece, the leaders said that Trumps actions contradict the majority support of American public opinion. It suggested Trump was influenced not by overall opinion polls but by the views of a minority of Cuban Americans who opposed Obamas moves to improve relations with Cuba.
Despite their obvious anger at Trumps attacks, the Cuban leaders did not threaten retaliatory measures. They said they would be willing to continue negotiating with the U.S., so long as it was via respectful dialogue.
The actual order Trump signed, however, was considerably more modest than the presidents sweeping rhetoric might suggest. His directive left key elements of Obamas overtures open: He did not close the U.S. embassy in Havana, nor did he completely block commerce.
In addition, the new restrictions will not take place immediately and are not expected to force businesses to unwind existing deals, an administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters in a briefing Thursday.
John Kavulich, director of the Cuba Trade Organization, which tracks business with the island, said businesses will have 90 days to make deals before the American government shuts down.
The starter pistol has been fired, he said.
Despite those limitations, the new restrictions drew objections from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which said in a statement that Trumps moves actually limit the possibility for positive change on the island.
The main goal of the new regulations is to keep keep money out of the hands of Cubas military and intelligence services and empower the Cuban people, a White House official said.
The new rules include prohibitions on Americans spending money on businesses controlled by the military, which has a wide reach in the Cuban economy. That change would affect some proposed hotel projects in which Cuban entities controlled by the military would be partners.
In addition, rules on American travel to Cuba will be tightened, limiting casual tourism. But airlines will continue to be able to fly to Havana, and cruise ships will still dock at the islands ports.
Trumps speech, before an audience that included aging veterans of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion an effort by CIA-backed Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castros government was heavy with Cold War rhetoric and references to images, such as gunshots in the ocean breeze, that no longer exist in Cuba.
It amounted to an effort to partially return to the status quo from before December 2014, when President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced they were reopening diplomatic ties after a half-century of hostility.
Soon, Americans could travel to Cuba and businesses, including the tourism industry and food-producing farm states, were involved in commercial deals.
But conservative members of Congress, especially those based here in south Florida, objected, saying that it was mostly the Communist government and Cuban military who were benefiting. Until Cubas human rights situation improved, they argued, deals with Cuba should be limited.
Floridas Republican Sen. Marco Rubio had lobbied Trump intensely to stick with his campaign pledge to roll back the opening to Cuba.
The timing and location of Trumps announcement raised some eyebrows. He came to Miami as his vice president and three Cabinet secretaries were hosting leaders of Mexico and Central America in a two-day conference on immigration and regional prosperity.
All of the visiting Latin Americans were among the hemispheres leaders who welcomed Obamas decision to recognize Havana. Until then, the United States was the only country in the world that continued to maintain a hostile position toward Cuba, and Obamas decision to reverse that gained enormous good will for the United States throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Trumps announcement is all but certain to anger Latin America and erode U.S. ability in the region, including Washingtons efforts to pressure Venezuelas abusive, leftist government.
The optics are not the best, said a senior international Latin American finance official in Miami for the conference. Like many diplomats, he spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about the Trump administration.
The entire region welcomed the United States normalization of relations with Cuba, said Cynthia Arnson, director of the Latin America program at the nonpartisan Wilson Center think tank in Washington. The hardening of policy can only add to the growing distance between Washington and the regions democracies.
National Security Council spokesman Michael Anton denied that the timing was aimed at Latin American leaders.
Theres nothing intentional about the timing. Its not a slap in the face," he told reporters on Air Force One as Trump flew to Miami.
"We hope we can get support from other Latin American leaders for this policy," Anton said. "This is a policy that favors the Cuban people over and against an oppressive regime.
But even among Cuban Americans here, some were dismayed.
Arsencio Acevedo, a Cuban who has lived in Miami for nearly 30 years, was critical of Trumps gesture.
We need communication, Acevedo, 48, who works as a waiter, said. It is communication that helps us all connect. Cut that off, and you cut off everything.
For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter
Visit link:
Trump rolls back some of Obama's openings to Cuba
- Former Obama campaign advisor says with DEI purges Trump 'might as well just put on the white hood' - Yahoo News - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Obama's $800M Presidential Center Slapped With DEI Lawsuit - Washington Free Beacon - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama's largest donors abandon them amid rumors of turmoil in marriage; one donor says - The Economic Times - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama are reportedly planning their divorce for "another woman": Their fights are heated and full of resentment - Marca... - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Louisville artists quilt headed to the Obama Presidential Center - WAVE 3 - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Subs Lawsuit Says Racial Discrimination Is Behind Blame for Obama Center Problems - Engineering News-Record - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama's biggest supporters abandon them amid rumored marriage turmoil - Daily Mail - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack Obama faces a big problem with his dream project; here's what it is - The Economic Times - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- The truth about Barack Obama and Michelle's fake divorce over Jennifer Aniston: How the famous rumor was started - Marca English - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Obama Library: Behind Schedule, Over Budget and Mired in Lawsuits - Newsweek - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Trump touts national unity over air disaster before bashing Biden and Obama - Axios - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Obama's Failure To Close Guantanamo Meant It Was Open for Trump To Use - Reason - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Howard University Professor, Who Was Michelle Obama's Ex-Intern, Died In Plane Crash in D.C. - The Root - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama says my husband amid divorce rumours with Barack Obama. Heres what she remarked - Mint - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack Obama vs Donald Trump could be on the cards in four years after proposed change - Irish Star - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Obama's speech after plane crash sums up 'difference' between him and Trump - MSN - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- RFK Jr. Is Starting Where Michelle Obama Left, Now With Republican Support - Newsweek - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- US President Trump attacks Obama, Biden after Washington plane crash, says they 'lowered air safety standa - The Economic Times - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Barack Obama faces another setback amid rumors his marriage with Michelle is on the rocks - Daily Mail - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- Y'all Got Michelle and Barack Obama All Wrong - The Root - February 5th, 2025 [February 5th, 2025]
- The 'Michelle Obama' house in Fayetteville: Cameras long gone but mission remains | Opinion - The Fayetteville Observer - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Michelle Obama shares message from 'Barack and I' as she reflects on inauguration tragedy amid marriage rumors - Daily Mail - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Barack Obama's heartfelt message to families of crash victims is a stark contrast to Trump's conspiracy rant - Irish Star - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Trump blames Obama and Biden for plane crash as it happened - The Times - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- 'Obama backed Al-Qaeda to topple Assad regime...': Tulsi Gabbard's explosive claim at Senate hearing - The Economic Times - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- The truth behind Donald Trump's astounding claims Biden, Obama and DEI are to blame for crash - Daily Mail - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama appear determined to put on a united front in a bid to combat divorce rumors - Daily Mail - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Viral post claims Sasha Obama spotted looking depressed amid divorce rumors of Barack, Michelle - The Times of India - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston's net worth: A look at their financial success - India Today - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Donald Trumps Fiery Attack On Obama & Bidens Diversity Policies After U.S. Chopper-Plane Crash - Hindustan Times - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Are Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama having an affair? Unpacking the resurfacing rumours - Yahoo News UK - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Divorce rumours? A love triangle with Jennifer Aniston? What's really going on with Michelle & Barack Obama - Evening Standard - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Did a Joke by Barack Obama spark Donald Trumps White House bid? Here's a story of the 'Butterfly effect' - The Economic Times - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Jennifer Aniston. Heres what we know about the rumors - PennLive - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- This has to be the most bizarre piece of gossip; I barely know Barack Obama, let alone dating him, says Je - The Economic Times - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Members of The Obama Administration: Where Are They Now? - The Root - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- How did the Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama affair rumor begin? Here's the breakdown - The Economic Times - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Barack and Michelle Obama's younger daughter Sasha looks downcast and preoccupied and seen for the first t - The Economic Times - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Obama vs Trump in 2028? Social media users react to Rep introducing proposed change to allow third term i - The Times of India - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Models The Power Of Saying No With Inauguration Skip - Forbes - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- How Barack Obama is Being Plagued by Wild Jennifer Aniston Rumors - Knewz - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Kid Rock Is One Of Many Conservatives Upset About Michelle Obama Refusing To Attend Donald Trump's Inauguration - BuzzFeed - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Jennifer Aniston forced to clarify 'truth' about bizarre Barack Obama affair theory - Irish Star - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Republican introduces measure to allow Trump a third term but not Obama - Salon - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Jennifer Aniston reacts to rumours of her romance with Barack Obama - Gujarat Samachar - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Divorce rumours? A love triangle with Jennifer Aniston? What's really going on with Michelle & Barack Obama - MSN - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Barack And Michelle Obama Face 'Divorce' Rumours: Here's Their Complete Relationship Timeline - Times Now - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Why are rumors spreading of Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston dating? - Straight Arrow News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Are Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston a couple? Social media reacts to the rumours, call it a political earthquake - Hindustan Times - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Obama, Aniston, and the political earthquake: Why their dating rumors are trending - The Economic Times - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama wasn't at the inauguration, but she shared a message on social media - NBC Chicago - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Former Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush won't be attending Trump's inaugural lunch - NBC News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Is Barack Obama dating Jennifer Aniston, or is it just gossip? - India Today - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Are Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama dating? Heres what we know - PennLive - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Why is Michelle Obama not attending the inauguration? What to know - NBC Chicago - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- New GOP bill would let Trump (but not Obama) run for a third term - MSNBC - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Barack Obama at inauguration 2025: See photos of former president as Donald Trump sworn in - USA TODAY - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Not Just Jennifer Aniston, Obama Once Sparked Rumours With THIS Woman - Times Now - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Jennifer Aniston allegedly admitted to dating Barack Obama - The Express Tribune - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Column | Martin Luther King Jr., Michelle Obama and Trumps exhausting return - The Washington Post - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- 'Smiling' Barack Obama spotted without Michelle at Trump inauguration, former First Lady shares Instagram - The Economic Times - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Is the Obama family having a hard time, amid the raging relationship speculations of Barack and Jennife - TOI Etimes - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Obama vs Trump in 2028? Social media users react to Rep introducing proposed change to allow third term in office - The Times of India - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- What Michelle Obama Is Up to Amid Absence From Donald Trumps Inauguration - E! NEWS - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama arrive for Trump inauguration - CBS News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Donald Trump inauguration: Where is Michelle Obama trends online as Barack Obama attends event alone | Today News - Mint - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Lip Reader's Interpretation of Barack Obama's Exchange With George W. Bush Confirms What We're All Thinking - The Root - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Is Jennifer Aniston responsible for Barack and Michelle Obama's alleged frosty relations? Here's what repo - The Economic Times - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston Dating Rumors: Whats the Real Story? - newslooks.com - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- On Michelle Obama's inauguration absence: No need to be phony or fake, there's real work to do - Salon - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Lip reader suggests Obama asked Bush how they could stop whats happening at Trumps inauguration - New York Post - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Barack Obama's funny interaction with George W. Bush about behaving during inauguration fumes Trump supporters - Hindustan Times - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Obama, Schumer, and Jeffries privately pushed for Biden to drop out - CNN - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Why Michelle Obama is skipping Trumps inauguration - The Independent - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Michelle Obama Shares Where Her Head Is at During Inauguration - The Daily Beast - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Barack Obama Tells Reporter George W. Bush 'Just Barely' Behaved During Donald Trump's Inauguration - Yahoo Entertainment - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump Inauguration: Barack Obama, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and More Attendees - E! NEWS - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump and Obama share intimate conversation at Carter's funeral - MSN - January 9th, 2025 [January 9th, 2025]
- 'Where Is Michelle Obama?': Barack Goes Solo At Jimmy Carter's Funeral, Chats With Trump - MSN - January 9th, 2025 [January 9th, 2025]
- Does Trump have the authority to rename Gulf of Mexico? Obama did it first, but for this noble reason - Yahoo! Voices - January 9th, 2025 [January 9th, 2025]