The United States is gearing up for a pivotal election day, often referred to as "Super Tuesday." On this crucial day, American voters are tasked with choosing between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris for the presidency, a decision that will shape the nation's course from 2025 to 2029. This election is closely watched not only within the U.S. but also by Cubans on the island.
"I can tell you that if Trump wins, we'll be eating our last shoes here because things are really bad. The economy here is in terrible shape, and tourism has plummeted," lamented a driver of an almendrón, the classic cars that navigate the streets of Havana, to the Associated Press.
Trump's First Term: A Return to Hardline Policies
This Cuban's concerns stem from Trump's previous policies toward Cuba during his tenure in the White House from 2017 to 2021. His administration marked a shift back to tougher stances compared to the more open approach of his predecessor, Barack Obama.
During his presidency, Trump rolled back several agreements and strategies that Obama had enacted to enhance bilateral relations with the island, opting for a more restrictive approach. A significant change was the imposition of travel and remittance restrictions. Trump notably limited U.S. citizens' travel to Cuba, scrapping the popular "people-to-people" cultural exchanges that were allowed under Obama.
Economic and Diplomatic Strain
Moreover, his administration expanded the list of Cuban enterprises with which Americans were prohibited from conducting business, particularly targeting those linked to Cuba's military and security sectors. This list includes hotels, stores, and other essential businesses that provide revenue for the Cuban government. The goal was to curtail the Cuban state's ability to fund its operations through foreign currency.
In 2017, following alleged "sonic attacks" on U.S. personnel in Havana, the United States withdrew a substantial portion of its diplomatic staff from the island and scaled back consular services. This move made visa processes more challenging for Cuban citizens, creating new obstacles in family and business relations between the two nations.
Reviving the Helms-Burton Act
A pivotal policy shift was the activation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, a clause suspended since 1996. By enforcing this, Trump enabled American citizens to sue foreign companies operating on properties seized by the Cuban government after the Revolution. This measure aimed to deter foreign investment in Cuba and apply pressure to the island's already struggling economy.
On human rights, Trump adopted a more critical stance against Cuba's authoritarian regime, showing increased support for dissidents and openly advocating for human rights on the island. This approach was accompanied by heightened diplomatic and economic pressure on the Cuban government internationally.
Finally, the Trump administration interconnected its policies toward Cuba and Venezuela, accusing both governments of mutual support in authoritarian practices. This stance resulted in additional pressure on Cuba to end its military and political backing of Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, heightening tensions with both countries.