Florida Senator Ashley Moody has voiced her support for President Donald Trump's recent measures against the Cuban regime, describing the island's government as a "murderous communist dictatorship" and praising the return to a firm policy towards Havana. "It's great to have a president who stands up for the Cuban people and does not bow to the regime. I support President Trump's policies that strengthen U.S. sanctions against the murderous communist dictatorship in Cuba and ensure that the Castro regime is stripped of the resources it uses as a weapon to continue oppressing the Cuban people," Moody wrote on her X account.
Moody, appointed to the U.S. Senate at the beginning of 2025 by Governor Ron DeSantis to replace Marco Rubio, has emerged as a prominent figure within the conservative Republican wing. During her tenure as Florida's Attorney General, she was a key ally in legal initiatives against the Democratic administration's immigration, health, and economic policies. Since joining the Senate, she has supported austerity measures, tax cuts, and hardline stances on foreign policy.
Strengthening U.S. Policy Against Cuba
Her comments come amid a renewed tightening of U.S. policy towards Cuba. This week, Trump signed a presidential memorandum banning tourism from the U.S. to the island, further restricting economic transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban military—particularly the conglomerate GAESA—and expanding immigration sanctions against regime officials and ideological operators.
The presidential directive also intensifies pressure on the regime's repressive apparatus, with measures aimed at promoting press freedom, free Internet access, strengthening the private sector, and systematically monitoring human rights violations, such as arbitrary detentions or harassment of dissidents and their families.
Cuban Regime's Response
In response, the Cuban regime has harshly criticized this shift in Washington's policy. Both leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez have accused the United States of engaging in "criminal conduct" that "punishes the Cuban people." However, the official narrative has been met with skepticism, amidst a severe economic crisis, prolonged blackouts, rampant inflation, and a migratory exodus depleting the country of its youth.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Relations and Sanctions
What are the main objectives of Trump's sanctions on Cuba?
The main objectives of Trump's sanctions on Cuba are to curtail the resources available to the Cuban regime, promote human rights, and encourage political change by increasing pressure on the government.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the tightened U.S. sanctions?
The Cuban government has responded angrily, accusing the United States of criminal conduct and asserting that the sanctions punish the Cuban populace. Nevertheless, this stance faces skepticism amid the country's ongoing crises.
What impact might these sanctions have on the Cuban economy?
These sanctions could further strain Cuba's already struggling economy by limiting access to foreign currency and resources, exacerbating issues like inflation and shortages.