US Reinstates Strict Travel Ban, Economic Sanctions on Cuba

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum reinstating strict travel bans and financial sanctions on Cuba, reversing policies introduced under the Biden administration and marking a return to a hardline approach toward the communist-led island. The directive enforces a complete ban on U.S. tourism to Cuba, limits financial transactions with Cuban military-controlled entities such as GAESA, and requires detailed record-keeping and audits of travel-related transactions. These measures aim to isolate the Cuban government economically and diplomatically, restrict its revenue sources, and promote democratic change by targeting state-run activities that suppress civil rights. The policy also includes supporting human rights improvements in Cuba, such as expanding internet access and press freedom, while opposing efforts at the United Nations to lift the U.S. embargo. Cuban officials, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, condemned the new policy as a criminal act that punishes the Cuban people and violates their rights. Trump's administration has further ordered a review of sanctions to potentially tighten them further, emphasizing opposition to migration policies and medical missions linked to the Cuban government.