The relationship between the United States and Cuba has been nothing short of tumultuous. In the past, many Americans viewed Cuba as a country where its citizens languished under the harsh conditions of the Communist regime of Fidel Castro, causing the island to be punished for its independence with sanctions and embargos. Cuba is also known as a safe harbor for U.S. fugitives, allegedly facing wrongful prosecution in the United States, such as Joanne Chesimard a.k.a. Assata Shakur and William Morales.
Under the leadership of United States President Barack Obama, what has become known as the Cuban-Thaw was initiated. Over the last two years of his presidency, the Obama administration was responsible for repairing relations between the United States and Cuba, ending 54 years of hostility between the two nations. In March of 2016 Obama became the first United States President to visit Cuba since 1928 and the first since Castro’s revolution in 1959. Obama aggressively made changes to secure relations with the island before leaving office. Taking executive action, the Obama administration eased travel restrictions to Cuba for U.S. citizens. The former administration also lifted several restrictions regarding the importation and exportation of goods between the U.S. and Cuba, and removed Cuba from U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list.
While many were impressed with the former president achieving a feat that no other U.S. president prior to him had accomplished, the current Trump administration had harsh criticism. As of November 9th, of this year the Trump administration released new regulations for Americans traveling to Cuba, barring U.S. citizens from hotels, stores, and other businesses connected to the Cuban military. The new regulations include a list of 180 entities, including 83 hotels that are no longer accessible to U.S. citizens. The changes will severely hinder individual travel to Cuba that has been widely utilized since being approved under the Obama administration. Americans now wishing to visit Cuba must go through authorized tour guides with tour operators accompanying groups, increasing the expense for travel.
While it remains to be seen what the full outcome will be for relations between the US and Cuba under Trump’s presidency, it should be noted that the current administration has not fully banned travel to Cuba, although they have certainly made it more difficult and inconvenient. Many of Obama’s initial policies with Cuba will remain intact including diplomatic ties. However, improvements for current relations between the two nations may be currently unattainable and there seems to be another chill brewing. Recent statements made by President Trump accused Cuba of being responsible for the mysterious attack that sickened American diplomats in October, causing the withdrawal of United States personnel from Havana. Trump’s remarks were made despite the State Department’s repeated statements that they do not know the cause or who is responsible for the illness. White House Chief of Staff, John Kelly stated to reporters, “We believe the Cuban government could stop the attacks on our diplomats.” The situation has only increased the likelihood of rising tension between the nations, rendering the actions of the prior administration for naught.