Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba

6/30/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Policy Restoration: Reinstates and strengthens the robust Cuba policy from President Trump’s first term, reversing the Biden Administration’s easing of restrictions.
Economic and Financial Measures: Ends economic practices that benefit the Cuban government and prohibits direct or indirect financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban military (e.g., GAESA), except when advancing U.S. policy objectives or supporting the Cuban people.
Tourism and Embargo Enforcement: Reinstates the statutory ban on U.S. tourism to Cuba with strict audits and record-keeping; reinforces the economic embargo and opposes international calls to lift it.
Support for the Cuban People: Promotes expansion of internet services, free press, free enterprise, and lawful travel to bolster democratic aspirations while ensuring engagement serves U.S. and Cuban interests.
Human Rights and Accountability: Mandates review of human rights abuses in Cuba, including unlawful detentions and inhumane treatment, and requires reporting on fugitives from American justice in Cuba.
Anti-Migration and Security Measures: Upholds the termination of the “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” policy to discourage unlawful migration and implements a new travel ban; designates Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism due to poor law enforcement cooperation and visa issues.
Commitment to Democratic Change: Affirms President Trump’s commitment to standing with the Cuban people, holding the Cuban regime accountable for suppressing political freedoms and human rights, and fostering a free and just society.

Risks & Considerations

The National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) reinstates strict policies towards Cuba, which could impact Vanderbilt University’s collaborations or research initiatives involving Cuban institutions or scholars. This may limit opportunities for academic exchange and joint research projects.
The prohibition of financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban military could affect any existing or planned partnerships with Cuban organizations, requiring careful review and compliance to avoid legal issues.
The enforcement of the economic embargo and travel restrictions may reduce the ability of Vanderbilt faculty and students to engage in fieldwork or study abroad programs in Cuba, potentially impacting educational and cultural exchange opportunities.
Vanderbilt’s programs focusing on international relations, human rights, or Latin American studies may need to adjust their curricula or research focus to align with the new U.S. policy stance towards Cuba.
The NSPM’s emphasis on promoting human rights and free enterprise in Cuba could present opportunities for Vanderbilt to contribute expertise in these areas, potentially leading to new research funding or policy advisory roles.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies may need to reassess its research priorities and partnerships in light of the renewed U.S. policy towards Cuba, potentially affecting its academic output and collaborations.
The Office of International Programs might face challenges in facilitating study abroad or exchange programs with Cuban institutions, necessitating alternative arrangements or destinations for students.
Vanderbilt’s Law School could see increased interest in courses related to international law, human rights, and U.S.-Cuba relations, providing opportunities for curriculum development and student engagement.
The Department of Political Science may experience heightened demand for expertise on U.S. foreign policy and its implications for international relations, particularly in the context of Cuba.

Financial Impact

The restrictions on financial transactions with Cuban entities could limit potential funding sources or partnerships for research projects involving Cuba, necessitating a reevaluation of funding strategies.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate resources to ensure compliance with the NSPM’s requirements, including audits and record-keeping for any travel-related transactions involving Cuba.
Opportunities for securing federal grants related to human rights, democracy promotion, or international development in Cuba may increase, providing potential funding avenues for relevant research initiatives.
The travel ban and embargo could impact the university’s ability to attract Cuban students or scholars, potentially affecting diversity and internationalization efforts.

Relevance Score: 3 (The NSPM presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international collaborations and research initiatives.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies should enhance its research and outreach efforts regarding U.S.-Cuba relations. By analyzing the impacts of the NSPM on Cuban society and U.S. foreign policy, the center can provide valuable insights and policy recommendations that align with Vanderbilt’s commitment to global engagement and human rights.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba, particularly regarding travel and economic transactions. This will help ensure compliance with federal regulations and identify potential opportunities for academic collaborations or research funding related to Cuban studies.
Vanderbilt’s Law School could explore the legal implications of the NSPM, particularly in terms of human rights and international law. By hosting seminars or workshops on these topics, the law school can position itself as a leader in legal scholarship related to U.S.-Cuba relations.
The Department of Political Science should consider conducting research on the broader geopolitical implications of the NSPM. This research can contribute to a deeper understanding of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on international relations, enhancing Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in political science.
Vanderbilt’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services should assess the potential impact of the NSPM on Cuban students and scholars at Vanderbilt. By providing tailored support and resources, the office can ensure that these individuals continue to thrive in the academic community.

Opportunities

The NSPM presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to engage in educational initiatives that support the Cuban people. By developing programs focused on internet access, free press, and free enterprise, Peabody can contribute to the empowerment and education of Cuban citizens.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the NSPM’s emphasis on human rights by partnering with international organizations to advocate for the rights of Cuban dissidents and political prisoners. This could include joint research projects, advocacy campaigns, and public awareness initiatives.
The focus on fostering a private sector independent of government control aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation. The university can explore partnerships with Cuban entrepreneurs and businesses to support economic development and innovation in Cuba.
By engaging with policymakers and stakeholders, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on U.S.-Cuba relations. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of the NSPM can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative thought and practice in international relations.

Relevance Score: 4 (The NSPM presents significant opportunities and challenges for Vanderbilt’s programs related to international relations, human rights, and global engagement.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – There are no explicit deadlines or timeline directives mentioned in the document for the implementation of the measures outlined.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

White House / National Security Council: Sets and directs policy implementation across agencies, ensuring that the NSPM reinforces a robust U.S. stance toward Cuba.
Department of the Treasury (including OFAC): Tasked with enforcing prohibitions on financial transactions that benefit the Cuban government or its military-linked entities, and with administering regular audits and record-keeping requirements.
Department of State: Plays a key role in implementing travel restrictions, managing the diplomatic implications of the travel ban, and ensuring U.S. policy objectives are met in international forums.
Department of Homeland Security: Likely involved in enforcing travel bans and managing border security and related record-keeping as part of the enhanced measures.
Department of Justice: Could be called upon to review human rights abuses, handle legal aspects regarding fugitives, and enforce related statutory mandates.

Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies are impacted by the memorandum.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The text does not explicitly designate any specific officials or agency heads to implement the directives.

Relevance Score: 1 (Directives lack explicit assignment, affecting only the general policy framework.)