The Trump administration imposed a new set of travel restrictions on Cuba Tuesday as he continues to roll back former President Obama's detente with the island nation.
The Treasury Department announced it will no longer allow the group educational and cultural trips to the island known as “people to people.”
Those trips have allowed American citizens to visit the island even before the Obama administration restored formal relations with Cuba's communist government in December 2014.
Tuesday's amendment to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations also means the U.S. will now deny licenses for private and corporate aircraft and boats to travel to the island.
The regulatory changes were announced on April 17.
The administration said the new measures are in response to Cuba's threat to the region.
“Cuba remains communist, and the United States, under the previous administration, made too many concessions to one of our historically most aggressive adversaries,” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross
Wilbur Louis RossHouse panel, Commerce Department reach agreement on census documents China sanctions Wilbur Ross, others after US warns of doing business in Hong Kong DOJ won't prosecute Wilbur Ross after watchdog found he gave false testimony MORE said in a statement.
“The Trump Administration recognizes the threat Cuba’s government poses in the region, and the Commerce Department is acting to limit commercial activity that provides revenue for the Cuban regime. Holding other countries accountable remains a focus for this Administration and we will remain vigilant.”
In April, national security adviser John Bolton
John BoltonJuan Williams: Biden is right on Afghanistan The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by AT&T - Biden defends Afghanistan exit; Taliban talk 'amnesty' Want to evaluate Donald Trump's judgment? Listen to Donald Trump MORE announced new limits on the amount of money Cuban Americans can send to relatives on the island, $1,000 per person.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Mike PompeoBiden's Afghanistan exit: A decision for the long term 2024 GOP battleground takes shape in Iowa Creating American hostages, abandoning Afghan allies MORE also said that month that the administration will allow U.S. citizens to sue foreign businesses using property seized during the 1959 Cuban revolution.
