President Trump Reinstates Hardline U.S. Policy on Cuba, Reversing Biden-Era Engagement Measures

 In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump on Monday signed a presidential memorandum reinstating a hardline stance toward communist-run Cuba, effectively rolling back several measures introduced by former President Joe Biden aimed at re-engagement.

According to a White House fact sheet, the new directive reaffirms the statutory ban on U.S. tourism to Cuba and strengthens the existing economic embargo. While certain categories of travel—such as educational or humanitarian visits—remain permitted, the policy will now be enforced through mandatory record-keeping and routine audits of all Cuba-related travel for a minimum of five years.

The memorandum also renews prohibitions on financial dealings with Cuban military-linked entities, including Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA) and its affiliated companies. Exceptions will apply only to transactions that explicitly further U.S. policy interests or directly benefit the Cuban population.

As part of the policy shift, Trump reinstated a key national security designation by reversing the Biden administration’s final-hour decision to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. He also partially restricted entry of individuals from Cuba, citing national security concerns.

“The memorandum reinforces the longstanding U.S. embargo against Cuba, ensuring continued opposition to international efforts—including at the United Nations—to lift or weaken the embargo,” the White House said.

Cuban Government Condemns Policy Shift

The Cuban government was swift in its condemnation. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez posted on social media platform X, calling the memorandum a renewed act of aggression. “The Presidential Memorandum against Cuba made public today by the U.S. government reinforces the aggression and economic blockade that punishes the entire Cuban people and is the main obstacle to our development,” he wrote.

Labeling the move a “criminal act” and a violation of human rights, Rodríguez reiterated Havana’s longstanding position that the U.S. embargo undermines the Cuban economy and the welfare of its citizens.

Background and Global Context

President Biden had previously reversed a 2017 Trump-era directive that restricted financial transactions involving Cuban military and government-affiliated entities, signaling a broader effort to re-engage with Havana after a prolonged period of diplomatic freeze. Monday’s memorandum marks a return to a more isolationist policy framework, reminiscent of Cold War-era tactics, and places the United States once again at odds with several international allies that have called for the lifting of the embargo.

Analysts say the renewed restrictions could further strain U.S.-Cuba relations, complicate remittance channels, and affect private enterprise growth on the island, even as the Cuban economy continues to grapple with inflation, shortages, and migration pressures.

The Trump administration’s firm stance is expected to be a point of contention in multilateral forums, where the U.S. often finds itself isolated in its approach to Cuba.