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Just hours before taking office as President of the United States, Donald Trump revoked the decision made by the Joe Biden administration to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Trump signed an executive order this Monday that rescinds the "Presidential Memorandum of January 14, 2025 (Certification of Rescission of Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism)".
According to the official communication from the White House, the main goal of the Trump administration is to "restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of the American citizen. The rescissions within this order will be the first of many steps that the Federal Government of the United States will take to repair our institutions and our economy".
The executive order from Trump comes exactly six days after former President Biden announced the decision to remove Cuba from the list, as part of an agreement facilitated by the Catholic Church to release political prisoners on the island.
However, on January 20, the administration of Trump dismissed the measure, implying that Cuba's removal from that list does not align with the interests of the United States and the new presidency.
The initial designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism was also reinstated by Donald Trump during his previous term, in January 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Inclusion on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism
Why did Donald Trump decide to keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
Donald Trump revoked Joe Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list arguing that Cuba's removal does not align with the interests of the United States. According to Trump, Cuba remains a regime that supports terrorism, which justifies its inclusion on the list.
What implications does it have for Cuba to be on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
The inclusion of Cuba on the list of sponsors of terrorism implies severe economic sanctions, such as restrictions on arms exports and financial limitations. This decision also signifies an increase in economic pressure on the island that had been eased following Biden's decision.
What were Joe Biden's reasons for removing Cuba from the list before Trump reversed the decision?
Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism after certifying that the Cuban government has not supported international terrorist activities in the past six months. The decision was also part of an agreement to release political prisoners in Cuba.
What impact does this designation have on relations between the United States and Cuba?
Cuba's designation as a sponsor of terrorism complicates relations between the United States and Cuba. The associated economic sanctions hinder any attempt to improve bilateral relations and escalate political and economic tensions between the two countries.
What did Cuban-American congress members think about Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list?
Cuban-American congress members described Biden's decision as a "betrayal" of the interests of the United States and the cause of freedom for the Cuban people. They criticized that this action economically empowers the Castro regime and facilitates the continuation of its repressive apparatus.
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