Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has criticized former President Donald Trump for reversing the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, following Trump's assumption of the U.S. presidency on Monday. Through social media, Díaz-Canel accused Trump of acting with "arrogance" and perpetuating a "cruel economic war" against the island.
"President Trump, in an act of arrogance and disregard for the truth, has just reinstated the fraudulent designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. No surprise here. His aim is to continue strengthening the cruel economic siege against Cuba for domination purposes," stated the Cuban leader in his post.
The Blame Game: U.S. and Cuba's Struggling Economy
Once again, Díaz-Canel pointed fingers at the United States for the deteriorating economic conditions in Cuba and the ongoing migration crisis. "The result of Trump's extreme economic blockade measures has been to create shortages for our people and significantly increase the migratory flow from Cuba to the United States. This act of mockery and abuse confirms the discredit of the U.S. government's unilateral coercive lists and mechanisms," he claimed.
Understanding Trump's Decision
The announcement of the revocation came shortly after Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States, repealing an executive order made by Joe Biden on January 14. Biden had removed Cuba from the terrorism list as part of an agreement facilitated by the Catholic Church to free political prisoners on the island. According to the White House, the reversal aligns with the strategic interests of the new administration, which views the Cuban government as a continued threat due to its support of international terrorist activities.
Implications for Cuba's Future
Re-entering the terrorism list means severe economic sanctions for Cuba, including financial and commercial restrictions. This decision is backed by Cuban-American legislators who criticized Biden's stance as a "betrayal" of U.S. interests, reinforcing the Cuban regime. With this move, Trump reestablishes the hardline approach of his first term towards Cuba, intensifying both economic and political pressure on the island.
FAQ on Cuba's Return to Terror List
What prompted Trump to put Cuba back on the terrorism list?
Trump's administration considers the Cuban government a threat due to its support of international terrorist activities, aligning with their strategic interests.
How did Díaz-Canel respond to Cuba's reinstatement on the list?
Díaz-Canel condemned Trump's decision as arrogant and part of a cruel economic war against Cuba, blaming the U.S. for the island's economic struggles and migration crisis.
What are the consequences for Cuba being on the terrorism list?
Cuba faces severe economic sanctions, including financial and commercial restrictions, which further isolate the island economically and politically.