Biden Removes Cuba from Terrorism List Amid Political Prisoner Release Deal

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The Biden administration has officially notified Congress of its decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This announcement, made just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump, is part of a broader deal involving the "gradual" release of 553 political prisoners, according to the Cuban government. This move has been facilitated through negotiations with the Catholic Church.

A senior administration official stated, "An assessment has been completed and we do not have information that supports Cuba's designation as being a state sponsor of terrorism." The Cuban foreign ministry welcomed the decision, calling it a step in the right direction, although it noted that the economic blockade imposed by the U.S. remains in place.

Cuban activist Maykel González Vivero expressed hope that the release would include prominent dissidents. The previous designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism had been enforced by Trump in 2021, a reclassification that drew criticism for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis on the island, which is located less than 100 miles from Florida's coast.

While some Latin American leaders, including Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, praised Biden's decision, Republican lawmakers have criticized it, suggesting that Trump may seek to reinstate Cuba's designation following his inauguration. The recent development underscores the ongoing complexity of U.S.-Cuba relations and the impact of political dynamics on humanitarian issues.

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