A national security memorandum signed last week by President Donald Trump threatens sanctions against foreign companies that conduct business with Cuban military companies.
In last week’s memorandum, the president announced that his administration’s policy will push for an end to “economic practices that disproportionately benefit the Cuban government or its military, intelligence, or security agencies or personnel at the expense of the Cuban people.”
“The United States recognizes the need for more freedom and democracy, improved respect for human rights, and increased free enterprise in Cuba,” Trump’s memorandum stated. “The Cuban people have long suffered under a Communist regime that suppresses their legitimate aspirations for freedom and prosperity and fails to respect their essential human dignity.”
“My Administration’s policy will be guided by the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, as well as solidarity with the Cuban people,” the president added. “I will seek to promote a stable, prosperous, and free country for the Cuban people. To that end, we must channel funds toward the Cuban people and away from a regime that has failed to meet the most basic requirements of a free and just society.”
The Miami Herald reported that a source familiar with the Trump administration’s new regulations told the outlet that sanctions will be implemented against any company that provides “direct or indirect support to companies directly or indirectly owned by the Cuban military.”
The president’s memorandum directs the Treasury Department and other government agencies to develop a list of entities that “are under the control of, or act for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services or personnel.” Trump noted that his administration’s regulations “shall prohibit direct or indirect financial transactions with those entities or subentities on the list.”
The memorandum also directs Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to expand the definition of “prohibited officials of the Government of Cuba” to include any employees of the Cuban Supreme Court, the Cuban Armed Forces, and the Cuban Ministry of Interior.
“The initial actions set forth in this memorandum, including restricting certain financial transactions and travel, encourage the Cuban government to address these abuses,” Trump stated in the memorandum. “My Administration will continue to evaluate its policies so as to improve human rights, encourage the rule of law, foster free markets and free enterprise, and promote democracy in Cuba.”
According to The Miami Herald, Trump’s memorandum is similar to a memorandum he issued during his first term in office.
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Author: Elizabeth Lawrence
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