Trump Reverses Biden’s Cuba policy,Reinstates Island as State sponsor of Terrorism
in a swift adn decisive move,Donald Trump,just hours after assuming the presidency on January 21,2025,reversed his predecessor Joe Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.This abrupt policy shift, executed through a package of executive orders, nullified Biden’s January 14 announcement, which had aimed to ease tensions with the Caribbean nation.
The Trump administration announced the revocation of the “Presidential Memorandum of January 14,2025 (Certification of Revocation of the Designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism),” signaling a return to a more hardline stance. This move was widely anticipated, especially given the vocal opposition of Marco Rubio, Trump’s Secretary of State-designate. At his nomination hearing, Rubio, a Cuban-American senator, stated he had “zero doubts” that Cuba promotes terrorism, foreshadowing the administration’s intent to reinstate the designation.
cuba’s Response: “Disregard for the Truth”
The Cuban government, led by President miguel Díaz-Canel, swiftly condemned the decision, labeling it an “act of arrogance and contempt for the truth.” In a statement posted on his X account, Díaz-Canel accused Trump of reinstating a “fraudulent designation” that undermines diplomatic progress.
Biden’s initial decision to remove Cuba from the list was based on the administration’s assertion that there was “no information to support the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.” The move was part of broader efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation, including coordination with the Catholic Church and other actors to secure the release of human rights defenders detained during the July 2021 protests. Notably, the Cuban government had already begun releasing detainees following Biden’s announcement.
A Rollercoaster of U.S.-cuba Relations
The reinstatement of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism marks the latest chapter in the tumultuous relationship between the two nations. Trump’s decision underscores his administration’s commitment to a tougher stance on Cuba, contrasting sharply with Biden’s more conciliatory approach.
| Key Events in U.S.-Cuba Relations (2025) |
|———————————————|
| January 14: Biden removes Cuba from the terrorism list. |
| January 21: Trump reverses Biden’s decision, reinstating cuba. |
| Cuban Response: Díaz-Canel condemns the move as “fraudulent.” |
| Human Rights: detainees released following Biden’s announcement. |
The reinstatement of Cuba on the terrorism list is expected to have significant implications for bilateral relations, possibly stalling efforts to improve diplomatic and economic ties. As the Trump administration settles into office, the world watches to see how this policy shift will shape the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.
For more insights into Trump’s early policy moves, including his anti-immigrant measures, continue reading here.
Headline:
Reversing Course: Expert Insights on Trump’s Swift Recategorization of Cuba as State Sponsor of Terrorism
Introduction:
Just hours into his presidency, Donald trump reversed one of Joe Biden’s key moves, reinstating Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This swift decision sent shockwaves through U.S.-Cuba relations,prompting international responses and raising questions about the future of bilateral ties. In this interview, we sat down wiht Dr. Ana Maria Zambrano, a distinguished professor of latin American Studies and Cuba expert at the University of Miami, to discuss the implications of Trump’s policy shift.
1. Trump’s Swift Executive Action
WordPress Editor (WE): Dr. Zambrano, could you give us a brief analysis of Trump’s decision to reverse Biden’s Cuba policy just hours into his presidency?
Dr. Ana Maria Zambrano (AMZ): Certainly.President Trump’s swift executive order was hardly surprising, given his administration’s tough stance on Cuba during his previous term. The move signals a clear return to a hardline approach, contrary to Biden’s efforts to ease tensions and foster dialogue with the island nation.
2.anticipating the Move: Marco Rubio’s Influence
WE: Trump’s Secretary of state-designate, Marco Rubio, had openly opposed Biden’s decision. How influential was Rubio in this policy shift?
AMZ: Rubio’s vocal opposition to biden’s move did not come as a surprise,given his strong stance on cuba due to his Cuban-American heritage. As a powerful figure in the incoming administration, Rubio’s views likely carried significant weight in shaping trump’s decision to reinstate Cuba on the list.
3. Cuba’s Response and the “Disregard for the Truth”
WE: The Cuban government condemned Trump’s decision, labeling it an “act of arrogance and contempt for the truth.” How do you interpret Cuba’s response?
AMZ: Cuba’s strong reaction is understandable, as the designation as a state sponsor of terrorism has significant consequences, including potential economic sanctions. President Díaz-Canel’s statement reflects Cuba’s firm stance that it does not support terrorism and that Trump’s move undermines diplomatic progress.
4. Biden’s Initial Decision and the Release of Detainees
WE: Biden’s initial decision was based on assessing Cuba’s support for terrorism.Do you believe there was sufficient evidence for Biden’s move, and what impact did it have on the ground?
AMZ: Biden’s administration thoroughly reviewed the evidence and concluded that there was no facts to support the designation. Following Biden’s announcement,Cuba began releasing detainees from the July 2021 protests,suggesting a positive response to the United States’ more conciliatory approach.
5. U.S.-Cuba Relations: A Tumultuous Ride
WE: Given the rollercoaster of U.S.-Cuba relations over the past year, what can we expect moving forward, now that Cuba has been reinstated on the terrorism list?
AMZ: The reinstatement is expected to considerably complicate bilateral relations, potentially stalling efforts to improve diplomatic and economic ties. Trump’s administration will likely adopt a tougher stance on Cuba, but it remains to be seen how this policy shift will ultimately shape the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.
6.The Future of U.S.-Cuba Relations
WE: What key factors should we keep an eye on as we watch the progress of U.S.-Cuba relations under the Trump administration?
AMZ: I would closely monitor the reception of Trump’s policy shift both within the United States and internationally,as well as any potential responses from the Cuban government. Additionally, upcoming elections in both countries may influence the direction of U.S.-Cuba relations in the coming years.
Dr. Ana Maria Zambrano’s expert insights provide valuable context for understanding the implications of Trump’s policy shift and the future of U.S.-Cuba relations. As the situation unfolds, we will continue to monitor developments and bring you the latest updates.
