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On Tuesday, President Joe Biden issued a decision to reverse a 2021 directive from the Trump administration that designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. This move, coming just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, was reportedly part of a deal to secure the release of 553 Cuban political prisoners.
Biden justified the decision in a certification of rescission, stating, “The government of Cuba has not supported international terrorism for the past six months and has vowed to ‘not support acts of international terrorism in the future.’” Critics, however, dismissed these as inadequate criteria for such a significant policy reversal.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the decision was made in collaboration with Pope Francis, who facilitated communication with the Cuban government. Jean-Pierre explained that the Catholic Church had informed the White House that Cuba would soon release political prisoners as part of the agreement. “We take these steps in appreciation of the Catholic Church’s efforts to restore liberty to Cuban citizens and improve their livelihoods,” she said.
According to anonymous Biden administration officials, the political prisoners are expected to be released by noon on Jan. 20—the day of Trump’s inauguration. As part of the deal, the U.S. will also ease some economic restrictions on Cuba.
Republican Leaders Respond
The decision sparked backlash from Republican leaders, particularly those of Cuban-American descent. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas criticized Biden’s actions, calling them “unacceptable on their merits.” Cruz added, “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 this decision.”
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida also condemned Biden’s move, describing it as a “grave error.” Rubio, who has been nominated as Trump’s Secretary of State, is expected to prioritize reversing the policy once Trump takes office.
Social Media Reactions
Public outcry also erupted on social media. Conservative commentator Michael Savage accused Biden of “burning the world as fast as he can in his last days.” Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez labeled the decision “shameful,” calling Biden a “communist sympathizer.”
Trump is widely expected to overturn Biden’s directive immediately upon taking office.
Many critics have accused Biden of making the decision as a final effort to undermine the incoming Trump administration. They expressed hope that Trump’s return to the presidency would restore stricter policies on Cuba and refocus on strengthening U.S. interests.
