White House Revamps Cuba Policy for More Freedom and Fairness
Published Date: 8/12/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. is updating its policy toward Cuba to support more freedom, democracy, and human rights for the Cuban people. This means the government will take new steps to encourage fair business and respect for human rights while keeping an eye on security. These changes affect many government departments and aim to boost positive change in Cuba without immediate new costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Ban on Transactions with Military-Controlled Cuban Firms
The United States will publish a list of Cuban entities and subentities under the control of or acting for the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services (for example, Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA)). Regulations will prohibit direct or indirect financial transactions with those listed entities, subject only to specific exceptions such as Federal Government operations, authorized remittances, sale of agricultural commodities and medicines consistent with U.S. law, and activities that further U.S. national security or foreign policy. Agencies must begin adjusting regulations within 30 days of the June 30, 2025 memorandum.
Tighter Rules and Audits for Travel to Cuba
The memorandum requires agencies to adjust regulations within 30 days to enforce the statutory ban on tourism to Cuba and to tighten rules for permitted educational and people-to-people travel. Educational travel (except categories permitted as of January 27, 2011) must be under the auspices of a U.S. organization and travelers must be accompanied by a representative; travelers must follow a full-time schedule of activities and meaningfully interact with Cubans. Travelers must keep full and accurate records of authorized travel transactions for at least 5 years, Treasury will audit travel, and the Treasury Inspector General must report to the President within 180 days after the regulations are adjusted and annually thereafter; agencies will review enforcement within 90 days after final regulations.
Broader Definition of 'Prohibited Officials' for Sanctions
The Department of the Treasury will change its regulation defining "prohibited officials of the Government of Cuba" so the term includes Ministers and Vice-Ministers; members of the Council of State and Council of Ministers; members and employees of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies; local sector chiefs of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution; senior ministry officials; employees of the Ministries of the Interior and Defense; union leaders of the Confederation of Labor of Cuba; chief editors and editors of state-run media; and members and employees of the Supreme Court.
U.S. Support and Task Force for Cuban Internet Access
The Secretary of State must convene a task force with relevant agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private-sector entities to examine technological challenges and opportunities to expand internet access in Cuba. The task force will consider Federal Government support for programs encouraging independent media and internet freedom so the Cuban people can have a freer flow of information.
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Key Dates
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