Trump reversed Biden’s decision and reinstated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism

On his first day in office President Donald Trump was restored Cuba‘s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, reversed former President Joe Biden’s executive order last week.

Biden announced his plans for raise the destination As part of a Vatican-brokered deal to free political prisoners in Cuba.

Following the announcement, Cuban authorities began releasing prisoners, including those arrested in 2021 during protests over economic hardship and government policies.

Among those released was 24-year-old Reyna Yacnara Barreto Batista, who had served four years in prison for public disorder.

Barreto Batista told the AP that he and eight others were released from prison in Camagüey, although authorities warned them that their release was conditional on good behavior.

The Cuban government has said it plans to release 553 prisoners in stages, describing the move as part of the Vatican’s 2025 jubilee and not directly linked to US action.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez criticized the reinstatement of the terrorism designation, calling it a “tool of political coercion” rather than a genuine effort to fight terrorism.

Mr. Trump’s U-turn coincides with and supports his administration’s tough stance on Cuba. Secretary of State Marco Rubiohas long supported sanctions against the island nation.