Trump Signs Order Expanding Cuba Sanctions

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that expands U.S. sanctions on Cuba, authorizing penalties against foreign companies, financial institutions and individuals that conduct business with or support the Cuban government.

The order targets foreign entities operating in key sectors of the Cuban economy, including energy, defense, mining and financial services. It also allows the secretaries of the Treasury and State to designate additional sectors. U.S. authorities can now block assets under U.S. jurisdiction owned by Cuban government officials, agencies or their proxies, as well as those providing material, financial or technological support to Havana. Secondary sanctions extend to foreign banks that facilitate significant transactions for designated parties, potentially restricting their access to the U.S. financial system or freezing their assets.

White House officials described the measure as a response to Cuba's actions that pose a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The order addresses involvement in serious human rights abuses, corruption and support for the Cuban security apparatus. It suspends entry into the United States...