President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on May 1 imposing sanctions on foreign persons tied to repression in Cuba and threats to U.S. national security.
The order blocks all property and interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction belonging to designated individuals and entities, according to a White House document. It targets those operating in Cuba’s energy, defense, metals, mining, financial services, or security sectors, as determined by the Secretaries of State and Treasury.
Designations also cover persons owned or controlled by the Cuban government, its leaders or officials, agencies, those responsible for human rights abuses or corruption in Cuba, and adult family members of such individuals. The measures prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in any dealings with blocked property, including transactions, contributions, or attempts to evade sanctions.
Trump determined that Cuban government policies outlined in Executive Order 14380 from January 29 continue to pose an extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy, originating outside the country. The order invokes authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, National Emergencies Act, and other laws.
Aliens meeting the sanctions criteria face a suspension of entry to the United States as immigrants or nonimmigrants, unless the Secretary of State deems it in the national interest. Foreign financial institutions facilitating significant transactions for blocked persons risk U.S. correspondent account restrictions or their own property blocks.
The Secretaries of State and the Treasury received authority to implement the order, including regulatory changes and Federal Register notices. They must submit reports to Congress on the ongoing national emergency. Definitions include the Cuban government and its instrumentalities, such as the Central Bank of Cuba.
The order preserves existing agency authorities and licenses under federal regulations, with costs borne by the State Department. Trump signed it at the White House.
