Want “a Deal”? Then Why Did You Torch the Last One?

Donald Trump has threatened the Cuban government that it better make a deal with the United States “before it is too late.” But Cuba and the U.S. already had a deal 10 years ago — before Trump scrapped it.

In December 2014, Raúl Castro and Barack Obama announced a historic thaw in relations after more than half a century of hostility. Within months, the two governments formally restored diplomatic relations and reopened embassies in Havana and Washington. Two dozen cooperation agreements were signed on everything from counternarcotics to environmental protection. As Obama began loosening restrictions on travel and other forms of engagement, U.S. companies and visitors flocked to Cuba.

At the time, even Trump backed the idea of reconciliation. In a 2016 Republican primary debate that included then Senator Marco Rubio, Trump criticized Obama for not getting a "better deal,” but said “the concept of opening Cuba is fine.” This came as no surprise since Trump Organization executives had quietly visited Cuba on multiple occasions. In 2008, Trump registered his brand in Cuba for possible investments in hotels, casinos, golf courses and beauty contests. (For more on Trump's interest in doing business on the island, watch Episode One of The War on Cuba)​

What changed? Not long after the primary debate, Trump cut a deal — not with Cuba, but with Rubio.

Belly of the Beast’s Liz Oliva Fernández looks at how the historic opening unraveled, how Trump reversed course once in office and how Rubio reshaped Cuba policy.