On January 20, 2025, just hours after his second-term inauguration, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating Cuba on the U.S. State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism. This move reversed a last-minute decision by former President Joe Biden, who had removed Cuba from the list on January 14, 2025, as one of his final acts in office. The swift policy reversal has sparked debate across the United States and beyond, raising questions about U.S.-Cuba relations, the implications of the terrorism designation, and the broader geopolitical consequences. This article explores the context, motivations, and potential impacts of Trump’s decision, written in clear language to engage and inform readers.
Background: The State Sponsors of Terrorism List
The U.S. State Department’s State Sponsors of Terrorism list identifies countries that the U.S. government believes have repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism. Being on this list comes with severe consequences, including restrictions on foreign aid, military assistance, and financial transactions, as well as increased scrutiny for entities doing business with the designated country. Cuba was first placed on the list in 1982 under President Ronald Reagan, who cited Cuba’s support for militant groups in Latin America and Africa. In 2015, President Barack Obama removed Cuba from the list as part of a historic effort to normalize relations with the Caribbean nation. However, in January 2021, during the final days of his first term, Trump reinstated Cuba’s designation, pointing to Havana’s alleged support for fugitives and its ties to Venezuela’s government.
Biden’s decision to delist Cuba in January 2025 was part of a broader agreement facilitated by the Catholic Church. In exchange for Cuba’s release of political prisoners, the Biden administration aimed to ease economic restrictions and lift sanctions on companies linked to the Cuban military. The move was seen as a step toward improving diplomatic ties and addressing Cuba’s economic struggles, which have been exacerbated by decades of U.S. sanctions. However, Trump’s immediate reversal has halted these efforts, signaling a return to a hardline stance on Cuba.
Trump’s Executive Order: A Swift Reversal
Trump’s decision to reinstate Cuba on the terrorism list was one of his first actions as president in his second term. The executive order not only revoked Biden’s delisting but also reinstated the Cuba Restricted List, which prohibits U.S. financial transactions with Cuban entities tied to the military, intelligence, or security services. According to the State Department, this move reflects Cuba’s ongoing support for activities deemed as terrorism, including providing safe harbor to fugitives and obstructing peace talks involving Colombian rebels. Newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a long-time advocate for tough policies on Cuba, announced the administration’s commitment to maintaining this designation.
The timing of Trump’s order—just days after Biden’s delisting—has drawn significant attention. Critics argue that the rapid reversal reflects a politicized approach to the terrorism list, which has been described as a tool used by U.S. administrations to advance domestic political agendas rather than a consistent measure of national security threats. For instance, Cuba’s designation has often been influenced by electoral politics, particularly in Florida, where a large Cuban-American population holds significant sway. Republican Senator Rick Scott praised Trump’s decision, stating on X that it undoes “Biden’s dangerous, weak appeasement policies” and addresses the Cuban regime’s destabilizing influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Reactions: Domestic and International Perspectives
The reinstatement of Cuba on the terrorism list has elicited strong reactions both within the U.S. and globally. In the United States, opinions are sharply divided. Supporters of Trump’s decision, including many in the Cuban-American community, argue that Cuba’s government continues to pose a threat by harboring fugitives and supporting authoritarian regimes like Venezuela. They point to Cuba’s history of providing sanctuary to individuals accused of violent acts, including American fugitives, as justification for the designation. The Trump administration has also emphasized Cuba’s alleged role in hosting a Chinese spy station near U.S. shores, further fueling national security concerns.
On the other hand, critics of the decision argue that it is unjustified and punitive. Karen Tumlin, director of the immigrant rights group Justice Action Center, called the move a betrayal of the commitments made to Cuban immigrants and their U.S. sponsors under Biden’s humanitarian parole program. This program, known as CHNV, allowed over 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to enter the U.S. legally with sponsors. Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, including plans to revoke the legal status of these migrants, has raised fears of mass deportations, which could be complicated by Cuba’s reluctance to accept deportees. The Washington Post notes that Cuba’s existing sanctions make it unclear what additional pressure the U.S. can apply to enforce deportation agreements.
Internationally, the decision has been met with condemnation. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called Trump’s action “an act of arrogance and contempt for the truth,” arguing that it strengthens the economic blockade that has suffocated the Cuban people for decades. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also criticized the move, labeling it “baseless and arbitrary” and expressing solidarity with Cuba, a long-time ally. The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP) and Namibia’s SWAPO Party similarly condemned the designation, with SWAPO calling it “unjustified” and a step backward in global efforts for justice. These reactions highlight the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding U.S. policy toward Cuba, particularly among nations opposed to American influence.
Implications for U.S.-Cuba Relations
Trump’s decision to reinstate Cuba on the terrorism list is likely to have far-reaching consequences for U.S.-Cuba relations. The designation reinstates economic and financial restrictions that limit Cuba’s access to global markets, exacerbating the country’s economic crisis. For ordinary Cubans, this could mean continued shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials, as the U.S. embargo—combined with the terrorism designation—restricts trade and investment. A Cuban resident quoted by Brasil de Fato expressed frustration, stating, “The blockade is nothing new, but it’s still painful. It suffocates the Cuban people.”
The move also complicates diplomatic efforts. Biden’s delisting was part of an agreement to release Cuban political prisoners, a step toward improving bilateral ties. By reversing this, Trump has signaled a return to a confrontational approach, which could hinder future negotiations. Cuba’s Vice Foreign Minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, told Reuters that the Trump administration has yet to engage in migration talks, even as it pushes for deportations. This lack of dialogue could strain relations further, especially as Cuba faces pressure to accept deportees under Trump’s broader immigration agenda.
Broader Context: Trump’s Foreign Policy and Domestic Politics
The Cuba decision is part of a larger pattern of Trump reversing Biden-era policies. In his first week, Trump rescinded 78 of Biden’s executive actions, including those related to health care, immigration, and gender policy. This rapid rollback reflects Trump’s campaign promise to undo what he called “destructive and radical” policies. The Cuba terrorism designation, in particular, aligns with Trump’s tough-on-communism stance, which resonates with his base, especially in states like Florida.
However, the terrorism list itself has been criticized as inconsistent. A Politico report notes that the list is often used as a political weapon rather than a logical grouping of countries. Over the years, Cuba has been added and removed multiple times, reflecting the priorities of the administration in power rather than clear evidence of terrorism sponsorship. National security experts argue that the list’s politicization undermines its credibility, as countries like Sudan and Iraq have been removed while Cuba remains alongside Iran, Syria, and North Korea.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cuba and the U.S.?
As Trump’s second term unfolds, the reinstatement of Cuba on the terrorism list sets the stage for continued tension. For Cubans, both on the island and in the U.S., the decision adds uncertainty to an already complex relationship. The potential revocation of legal status for over 530,000 Cuban migrants under the CHNV program raises humanitarian concerns, while the economic blockade continues to impact daily life in Cuba. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, with allies of Cuba condemning the U.S. for what they see as an unjust policy.
For those seeking to understand the broader implications, the State Department’s official stance and ongoing developments in U.S.-Cuba relations will be critical to monitor. The debate over the terrorism list’s validity and its impact on ordinary people is unlikely to fade, as both sides grapple with the balance between national security and humanitarian considerations.
Sources:
- Reuters: Trump revokes legal status for 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans
- Al Jazeera: Trump revokes legal status for 530,000 immigrants in the US
- State Department: Restoring a Tough U.S.-Cuba Policy
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