U.S. Department of Commerce: Cracks down on Cuba

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Office of Public Affairs, 202-482-4883

On June 4, 2019, Secretary Wilbur Ross announced new restrictions on business dealings with Communist Cuba, reversing the weak Cuba policy of the previous Administration. Secretary Ross said, “The Trump Administration recognizes the threat Cuba’s government poses in the region, and the Commerce Department is acting to limit commercial activity that provides revenue for the Cuban regime.”

The Miami Herald praised the move:

The Miami Herald Editorial: “This is a head-turning move we’re not used to — a U.S. administration playing hardball with Cuba, post the 1980s Ronald Reagan days. In this case, it’s the right reaction… That’s not all: the Department of Commerce is also prohibiting recreational and pleasure vessels from departing the U.S. on temporary sojourns to Cuba, as well as ending educational travel, effective Wednesday.”

The Administration’s strong Cuba policy received wide coverage:

The Associated Press: Trump administration halts cruises to Cuba under new rules

The Wall Street Journal: U.S. Imposes New Travel Curbs on Cuba

BBC News: US bans cruise ship travel to Cuba amid new restrictions

Huffington Post: Trump Administration Tightens Restrictions On U.S. Travel To Cuba

ABC News: Trump administration restricts US travel to Cuba by banning group tours, cruise ship port calls