Trump turns on Cuba

US president Donald Trump has thrust America and Cuba back on a path towards open hostility, with a blistering denunciation of the island’s communist government.

He clamped down on some commerce and travel, but left intact many new avenues his predecessor Barack Obama had opened.

The Cuban government responded by rejecting what it called Mr Trump’s “hostile rhetoric”, but said it was willing to continue “respectful dialogue” on topics of mutual interest. Trump challenged Cuba to negotiate better agreements for Americans.