Just hours after assuming the presidency of the United States, Donald Trump reversed the decision made by Joe Biden's administration to remove Cuba from the list of countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order nullifying the "Presidential Memorandum of January 14, 2025 (Certification of Rescission of Cuba's Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism)."
According to the official statement from the White House, the main goal of Trump's administration is to "restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of the American citizen. The revocations within this order will be the first of many actions the Federal Government of the United States will take to restore our institutions and economy."
Trump's executive order comes exactly six days after former President Biden announced the decision to exclude Cuba from the list, as part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church to release political prisoners on the island. However, on January 20, the Trump administration dismissed the measure, indicating that removing Cuba from the 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, back in January 2021.
Trump's Reinstatement of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
What prompted Trump to reinstate Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism?
Trump's administration aimed to restore what it considers common sense to the federal government and align with U.S. interests, diverging from the decision made by Joe Biden's administration.
How does this decision impact U.S.-Cuba relations?
The decision to reinstate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism is likely to strain diplomatic relations and hinder any potential negotiations or agreements between the two countries.