The Trump Administration has moved swiftly to reverse key Cuba policies enacted by the previous administration, reaffirming a hardline stance against the Cuban regime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a series of measures aimed at holding Cuba accountable for its human rights abuses, support for international terrorism, and economic oppression of its people.
The administration’s actions, taken within the first two weeks of President Trump’s term, include reinstating Cuba on the State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) list, rescinding last-minute policy changes made by the prior administration, and re-establishing the Cuba Restricted List. These steps signal a return to a tougher approach toward the island nation, which has long been accused of supporting terrorism and suppressing its citizens.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that Cuba’s inclusion on the SST list is justified, citing the regime’s history of harboring foreign terrorists, including murderers, bombmakers, and hijackers. “While the Cuban people suffer from hunger and lack access to basic medicine, the regime continues to provide food, housing, and medical care to these individuals,” Rubio stated. The administration has called on Cuba to end its support for terrorism and to prioritize the well-being of its own citizens.
On January 31, Secretary Rubio approved the re-creation of the Cuba Restricted List, which prohibits U.S. entities from engaging in certain transactions with companies controlled by or acting on behalf of the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services. The list, which had been rescinded in the final days of the previous administration, has been expanded to include Orbit, S.A., a remittance-processing company accused of operating for the benefit of the Cuban military.
“This list denies resources to the very branches of the Cuban regime that oppress and surveil the Cuban people while controlling large portions of the country’s economy,” Rubio said. The move is intended to weaken the regime’s economic stranglehold and support the Cuban people’s aspirations for freedom and human rights.

The State Department has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Cuban dissidents and political prisoners. U.S. Embassy officials in Havana are actively meeting with families of unjustly detained individuals and dissidents to demonstrate the United States’ unwavering support. “We demand the immediate release of all political prisoners and stand with the Cuban people in their fight for fundamental freedoms,” Rubio declared.
The administration’s actions underscore its broader goal of promoting accountability for the Cuban regime’s actions, both domestically and internationally. The State Department has condemned Cuba’s “malign interference” across the Americas and beyond, vowing to counter its influence while advocating for democratic reforms on the island.
The reinstatement of these policies marks a clear departure from the previous administration’s efforts to engage with Cuba diplomatically. Instead, the Trump Administration is doubling down on economic pressure and diplomatic isolation as tools to compel change.
As the U.S. moves forward with its renewed Cuba policy, the administration has made it clear that its focus remains on supporting the Cuban people and holding the regime accountable for its oppressive practices. “We are steadfast in our commitment to the Cuban people and will continue to promote accountability for the Cuban regime’s actions,” Rubio concluded.