Washingtion D.C. – The Biden administration notified Congress of its intention to revoke the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a move facilitated by the Catholic Church to free political prisoners on the island. The decision, which is part of a deal to ease some economic pressure on Cuba, is expected to be reversed by the incoming Trump administration after he takes office on January 20.
According to senior US administration officials, many dozens of political prisoners and others considered unjustly detained by the US are expected to be released by the end of the Biden administration. The designation, reinstated by the Trump administration in January 2021, was based on Cuba’s support for Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, and its refusal to extradite Colombian rebels to Colombia, among other issues.
The move to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism was one of several foreign policy moves made by the Trump administration in its final days. Human rights groups and activists, including the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, have been pushing the Biden administration to lift the designation, which they argue is based on outdated and unsubstantiated claims.
The incoming Trump administration will have the opportunity to review and potentially reverse Biden’s actions, although senior US administration officials say there is “no credible evidence” that Cuba is currently engaged in supporting international terrorism. There has been no comment from the Trump transition team or from Rubio, who is expected to face a confirmation hearing for his position as Secretary of State on Wednesday.