Trump reversal threatens US-Cuba relations
US President expected to undo work of Barack Obama and tighten trade and travel restrictions
Donald Trump is expected to announce a shift in his administration's relationship with Cuba tomorrow and tighten restrictions on travel and trade that were loosened under Barack Obama, a congressional source told NPR.
Another official told the Associated Press the US embassy in Havana will remain open but trade with any Cuban entity linked to the military will be banned.
In addition, the US President is also expected to restrict permission for Americans to visit the island, The Guardian says.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"It would represent a throwback to policies that date to the Cold War," the LA Times reports.
Relations between the two countries were frozen following the communist revolution of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara on 1961. The US severed diplomatic ties and imposed a trade embargo that lasted until 2014, when Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro, the brother of Fidel, agreed a historic deal to end the rift.
The White House has so far refused to confirm or deny reports it will undo this work.
Speaking in Washington this week, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Obama's reforms effectively removed pressure on the Cuban regime to alter its behaviour.
"Cuba has failed to improve its own human rights record, political opponents continue to be imprisoned, dissidents continue to be jailed, women continue to be harassed," he said.
Tillerson added that if Washington and Havana were to "sustain the sunny side of this relationship, Cuba must – absolutely must – begin to address its human rights challenges".
Polls suggest a majority of Americans support greater engagement with Cuba, says NPR.
Carlos Gutierrez, who served as commerce secretary under former President George W Bush, told the news site: "This decision will not play well anywhere, except for in those very cloistered spots in South Florida."
It will also be highly controversial among businesses, the LA Times warns.
"It could dull a boom in tourism by Americans to Cuba and hurt a burgeoning cottage industry of private enterprise on the socialist-ruled island," it says. "It could also allow Russia and China to more easily step in to fill the void."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Arizona official sues to bar 100K from local voting
Speed Read A large number of residents who have not submitted citizenship documents might be prevented from voting in the battleground state's elections
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Why is Laura Loomer making Republicans worried?
Today's Big Question Donald Trump says the MAGA influencer is a 'free spirit'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Hezbollah hit with exploding pagers, blames Israel
Speed Read At least 11 people in Lebanon were killed, and 2,800 others were wounded
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why is Laura Loomer making Republicans worried?
Today's Big Question Donald Trump says the MAGA influencer is a 'free spirit'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Suspect lurked 12 hours at Trump course, fired no shots
Speed Read Ryan Routh, 58, did not have Trump in his line of sight when the Secret Service apprehended him
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump assassination attempt: do former presidents need more protection?
Today's Big Question Secret Service director says 'paradigm shift' needed after second Trump attack sparks calls for more resources
By The Week UK Published
-
How the far-right media bubble failed Donald Trump
By ensconcing himself in the comfort of friendly — and increasingly conspiracy-driven — media, the former president is stuck in a feedback loop of his own making
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Ohio governor slams attacks on Haitian migrants
Speed Read Mike DeWine condemned the conspiracies boosted by Donald Trump and JD Vance about immigrants eating people's pets
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
FBI: Secret Service stops 2nd Trump assassination try
Speed Read The former president evaded a second assassination attempt at his golf club in Palm Beach, Florida
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is the media 'sanewashing' Trump?
Talking Points Critics say there's a disconnect between 'reality and reported news'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Harris baits, debates Trump in feisty Philly face-off
Speed Read The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris quickly grew combative
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published