Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus told viewers that president-elect Trump is “absolutely” willing to reverse the thawing of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the American government.
“Repression, open markets, freedom of religion, political prisoners — these things need to change in order to have open and free relationships,” said Priebus. “There’s going to have to be some movement from Cuba in order to have a relationship with the United States.”
After more than fifty years of a shutout by the American government, the Obama Administration has initiated an opening to the Communist nation. However, there has been much debate regarding the “give and take” between the Castro and Obama teams. Eager to reach any historic deal to cement his legacy, Obama gave in to many concessions without seeing much in return from Cuba - a perplexing outcome given a world superpower would hold all the leverage in negotiations with a tiny, island country. Their government is still undemocratic and oppressive, and still harboring several fugitives wanted by American authorities.
Donald Trump, making better international deals a cornerstone of his campaign, has been open about reversing course on Obama’s renewed engagement unless Cuba puts more on the table.
Unless Raul Castro decides to give more freedom to his people, don't expect the recent opening of relations between the United States and Cuba to last long.
A new sheriff is headed to town.
Update: Trump Tweeted Monday morning that he will terminate the deal unless the Cuban government offers more to its people.
If Cuba is unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people, the Cuban/American people and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate deal.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2016
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