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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, will allocate 400 million dollars to confront the “marxist and anti-American” regimes of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, according to an official document sent to Congress that was accessed by the news agency Reuters.
The measure is part of a redistribution of 1.8 billion dollars in foreign aid towards priorities aligned with the current Republican president's America First policy, who began his second term in January 2025, the outlet explained.
Of this amount, 400 million will be specifically allocated to activities in the western hemisphere, including combating illegal migration, competing with China in strategic sectors, and confronting the regimes in Havana, Caracas, and Managua.
"The national security interests of the United States require that these funds be used to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous," states the official notification sent on September 12.
The document consulted by Reuters details that another portion will also be allocated to initiatives in Europe, such as energy development in Ukraine and projects in Greenland.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has driven a profound restructuring of the U.S. foreign aid system. This has included the dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the dismissal of thousands of employees, and severe cuts that have impacted key humanitarian programs.
The spokesperson for the State Department stated that new foreign assistance programs must align with the government's strategic objectives: “The United States will prioritize trade over aid, opportunity over dependence, and investment over assistance.”
The decision has generated criticism in Congress. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen denounced that this reallocation of funds ignores the authority of the Legislature and diverts resources towards “politically motivated and irresponsible” projects, such as investment in Greenland or pressure on African governments regarding migration issues.
On his part, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appointed by Trump at the beginning of his second term, defended the strategy: “We are abandoning a charitable model to focus on empowering countries and their sustainable development,” he stated in July during the formalization of the transfer of USAID to the Department of State.
Trump's policy represents a radical shift from traditional American diplomacy, replacing the soft power of humanitarian aid with an aggressive geopolitical approach focused on strategic competition and direct pressure on governments deemed hostile to Washington.
For Cuba, this decision signifies a new chapter of confrontation amidst an internal crisis characterized by economic collapse, the repression of civic protests, and the international isolation of the regime in Havana.
Frequently asked questions about Trump's policy towards Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua
How does Trump plan to confront the regimes of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua?
Trump will allocate 400 million dollars to confront the regimes of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua as part of a reallocation of foreign aid, aligned with his America First policy. This measure aims to strengthen the national security of the United States and counter regimes deemed hostile.
Why was USAID closed, and what does it mean for U.S. foreign aid?
USAID was closed by the Trump administration as part of a shift in focus towards foreign assistance, prioritizing efficiency and U.S. national interests. Foreign aid will now be managed by the State Department, emphasizing sustainable development and the empowerment of recipient countries.
What impact does the new U.S. foreign aid policy have on Cuba?
The Trump administration's policy signifies a new chapter of confrontation with Cuba, amid a context of internal crisis on the island. With the restoration of funds to independent media, the Cuban regime faces a challenge to its informational control, and it is expected that economic and diplomatic pressure will increase.
What criticisms has Trump received for his policy towards Cuba and other regimes?
Trump has faced criticism for reallocating aid funds for purposes deemed politically motivated, such as the investment in Greenland. Additionally, his aggressive stance toward authoritarian regimes has been questioned by some sectors of Congress, who view these actions as disconnected from legislative authority.
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