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The Biden administration lifted Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism on Tuesday, reversing a move made by the Trump administration in 2021. The decision is part of a Catholic Church-sponsored deal to free political prisoners in Cuba.
In a certification, President Joe Biden claimed that the Cuban government “has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding 6-month period, and has provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future.”
The United States maintains as its core objective the need for more freedom and democracy, improved respect for human rights, and increased free enterprise in Cuba. To achieve these goals, the administration believes practical engagement with Cuba and the Cuban people is necessary beyond what is outlined in NSPM-5, which was revoked by the President.
Cuba was first designated as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1982 and was rescinded in 2015. The country was redesignated as a state sponsor of terrorism in January 2021 by the Trump administration.
The decision to lift the designation is seen as a victory for the Catholic Church-backed deal to free political prisoners in Cuba. The move has been met with criticism from some, including Sen. Ted Cruz, who called it “unacceptable on its merits” and plans to work with President Trump to reverse the decision.