The U.S. State Department has swiftly reversed several policy changes on Cuba that were introduced by the previous administration shortly before leaving office. This move comes within the initial weeks of President Trump's term, as part of efforts to restore a more stringent stance towards Cuba.
On his first day in office, President Trump ensured that Cuba remained on the State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) list. "The Cuban regime has long supported acts of international terrorism," reads a statement from the administration. The U.S. government is urging Cuba to cease its support for terrorism and halt the provision of resources such as food, housing, and medical care to foreign individuals involved in criminal activities while its own citizens face shortages.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced in a January 29 letter to Congress that he had retracted a prior communication regarding the LIBERTAD Act from the former administration. The current administration aims to enable U.S. citizens to pursue legal actions concerning property confiscated by the Cuban government.
Additionally, Secretary Pompeo approved reinstating the Cuba Restricted List on January 31. This list limits transactions with companies controlled by or acting on behalf of Cuban military and intelligence services. "The State Department is re-issuing the Cuba Restricted List to deny resources to the very branches of the Cuban regime that directly oppress and surveil the Cuban people," stated Pompeo, noting that Orbit, S.A., a remittance-processing company linked to the Cuban military, has been added to this list.
The State Department emphasized its commitment to holding the Cuban regime accountable for its actions against its people and for its interference across regions globally. It supports human rights in Cuba and calls for releasing political prisoners who have been unjustly detained. The U.S. Embassy in Havana is actively engaging with families of these detainees and dissidents, affirming their support from America.
"We are steadfast in our commitment to the Cuban people," concluded Pompeo's statement, reinforcing America's dedication to promoting accountability for actions taken by the Cuban government.
