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In a controversial move during his final days in office, President Joe Biden removed Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list, reversing a Trump administration decision from 2021. The decision comes as part of an agreement securing the release of 553 political prisoners.
Biden’s certification of rescission stated that Cuba had refrained from supporting international terrorism for six months and promised to maintain this stance moving forward. The decision was made in partnership with Pope Francis, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Press Advisory: Biden White House removes Cuba from list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, endangering lives
Center for a Free Cuba warns of negative consequences of providing more resources to the Caracas, Havana, Managua terrorist alliance https://t.co/QpGPQELkGs 1/ pic.twitter.com/rqEHOhdfxr— Center for a Free Cuba (@cubacenter) January 15, 2025
“We have also been informed by the Catholic Church that the Cuban government will soon begin releasing a substantial number of political prisoners,” Jean-Pierre announced in a statement. “We take these steps in appreciation of the Catholic Church’s efforts to facilitate Cuba to take its own, constructive measures to restore liberty to its citizens and enable conditions that improve the livelihood of Cubans.”
Anonymous senior Biden administration officials revealed to the Associated Press that the prisoner release would occur by noon on January 20, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration. The agreement also includes measures to reduce economic pressure on Cuba and modify a 2017 Trump memorandum that had strengthened the U.S. stance against the island nation.
The decision faced immediate criticism from prominent Republican lawmakers, particularly those of Cuban descent. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas issued a stern rebuke, stating, “Today’s decision is unacceptable on its merits. The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased. I will work with President Trump and my colleagues to immediately reverse and limit the damage from the decision.”
Cruz further criticized the timing, adding: “Obama-Biden officials are continuing their legacy of closing out administrations with rank appeasement of the Cuban regime. They push these policies both because they believe in them and to undermine the incoming Trump administration and Republican Congress.”
Florida Senator Marco Rubio also voiced his opposition, declaring, “President Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from the list is a grave error.” As Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Rubio is expected to collaborate with the incoming administration to reverse this decision.
Senator Marco Rubio on the Biden administration removing sanctions on Cuba and taking it off the state sponsor of terror list:
"Nothing that was agreed to [over the last 12 hours] is irreversible or binding on the new administration." pic.twitter.com/CKWYHdDZZ8
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 15, 2025
The Cuban foreign ministry has communicated to Pope Francis their commitment to release 553 individuals previously convicted of various offenses, though the identities of these prisoners remain undisclosed.
The announcement has sparked considerable debate on social media platforms, with many viewing it as a deliberate attempt to complicate the incoming Trump administration’s foreign policy agenda. Critics of the Biden administration see this as one of the final controversial acts of a presidency they’re eager to see end, anticipating Trump’s return to focus on economic growth, border security, and national renewal.