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
- Obama heads to Atlanta to rally voters for Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms - CBS News - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Video: Opinion | The Echoes of Obama in Abdul El-Sayeds Campaign - The New York Times - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- The BU Alum Behind the Obama Presidential Centers Food, Art, and Events - Boston University - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Trump to rally in Kansas, Obama to campaign in 3 states as early voting expands - Spectrum News - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Obama Unloads on Trump Over His 'Appalling Conduct Toward Rep. Ilhan Omar - The Daily Beast - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Election 2026 updates: Obama coming to Cleveland, videos from recent campaign stops - The Land - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Barack Obama is coming to Atlanta to campaign for Ossoff and Bottoms - Axios - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Former President Obama joins Ossoff, Bottoms - the Southerner Online - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- President Trump and former President Obama to visit Georgia ahead of midterms - 95.5 WSB - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Obama Accuses Trump Administration Of Intimidating Ilhan Omar Over Political Views - Arise News - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Obama Slams Trump Probe into Ilhan Omar as 'Appalling' and Says It's Everyone's Problem - Latin Times - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Obama coming to Georgia to rally for Jon Ossoff, Keisha Bottoms - Yahoo - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Obama to hold rally in Atlanta with Ossoff and Bottoms - 11Alive.com - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- PBS Has a New History Special Featuring Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton - Parade Magazine - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- This Week on the Hill: Michigan Senate debate, Trump rallies and Obama hits the trail - The Hill - October 19th, 2026 [October 19th, 2026]
- Trump says he could still go after Clintons, Obama to destroy their reputations - The Hill - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Barack Obama pays tribute to Manchester cotton workers and cites them as an inspiration - The Guardian - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Takes a Cool-Girl Approach to Fall Dressing With Unexpected Pants - InStyle - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Peter Thiel says Obama and Pope Leo are exploiting AI fears in his latest Antichrist lectures - Fortune - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- 'Not As Hopeful As I Want To Be': Barack Obama Warns Israeli Right-wing Shift Threatens Peace - i24NEWS - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Barack Obama to campaign with Ohio Democrats as he expands his outreach ahead of Election Day - AP News - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Puts Her Dazzling $50,000 Ring Stack on Display With Perfect Fall Outfit - InStyle - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- The Blogs: Time to Tune Out Obama - The Times of Israel - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama steps out for unexpected girls' night with Megan Thee Stallion and La La Anthony in LA - HOLA - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Obama urges Nevadans to elect Attorney General Aaron Ford as governor in new video - KRXI - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Ex-Obama aide restructures comms and lobbying firm - PRWeek - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Barack Obama Says Israel Took Land From Palestinians, Warns It Will Lose Moral Ground: how 11 outlets framed it - NewsCord - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Barack Obama to campaign with Ohio Democrats as he expands his outreach ahead of Election Day - Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW) - October 17th, 2026 [October 17th, 2026]
- Obama warns donors that races are 'on the razor's edge' as he ramps up midterm push - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama, Praising Past White House Remodels, Takes Veiled Aim at Trump - The New York Times - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Sam Kass, former Obama family personal chef and policy adviser, wins the Julia Child Award - Chicago Tribune - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Obama raises more than $13 million for Democrats, urges voters to "turn hope into action" at ballot box in November - CBS News - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Obama Foundation and Presidential Center employees are organizing with AFSCME - afscme - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Boston: The remarkable Bush-Obama friendship - Dallas News - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Mike Ditka tributes pour in from President Trump, former President Obama, Chicago and the NFL - AP News - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Former President Barack Obama endorses David Crowley in Wisconsin race for governor - News From The States - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Obama Foundation and Presidential Center workers to unionize: We don't even have a seat at the table - Chicago Sun-Times - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Trump says he could have done very bad things to Biden, Obama and Clinton - MS NOW - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- KFile: El-Sayed has history of knocking Obama & his failures - CNN - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Trump: I could have done bad things to Hillary Clinton, Biden, Obama - The Hill - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- At the Races: Unleash Obama - Roll Call - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Democrats see hope with Obama on the campaign trail - Denver Gazette - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Obama endorses Crowley for Wisconsin governor - The Daily Cardinal - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama lowers boom on Trump over White House renovations - SILive.com - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Trump says he rejected investigating Biden, Obama out of 'respect' for office - USA Today - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama: Care For This Country as We Would Our Own Children - East Wing Magazine - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- NEWS OF THE WEEK: Barack and Michelle Obama celebrate 34 years wed - Yahoo - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- El-Sayed Has Trump Fuming, AOC Buzzing and Obama Stumping - WSJ - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Former Obama advisor tells divided Maine Democrats to 'get over your s---' and win the race - Fox News - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Abdul El-Sayed Criticized Obama for Years. Now Theyre Campaigning Together - National Review - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Michelle Obama Steps Out in Monochromatic Look That Puts a Twist on Her Signature Style - InStyle - October 10th, 2026 [October 10th, 2026]
- Barack Obama is in Massachusetts today. Here's why - NBC Boston - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WDBJ7 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama Visits KC, First Day of Fall - Flatland KC - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - FOX5 Vegas - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Obama Presidential Center - Chicago Maroon - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WTHI-TV - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WJHG - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - ABC7 WWSB - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - Valley News Live - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WTOC - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - wvlt.tv - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WBKO - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KY3 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KTRE - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WLFI - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WNEM - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WBTV - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KBTX News 3 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - wtvm.com - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WCJB - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - FOX19 | Cincinnati - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KWCH - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WFSB - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - Cleveland 19 News - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WKYT - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - KNOE - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - Upper Michigan's Source - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - WRDW - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]
- Obama says the government should act fast and regulate AI - CBS7 - September 22nd, 2026 [September 22nd, 2026]