US President Donald Trump on Monday overturned a decision by his predecessor, Joe Biden, to delist Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Biden’s action, which had taken effect only a week earlier, was part of a broader effort to improve relations with the Caribbean nation. However, Trump’s immediate reversal underscores his administration’s tough stance on Cuba, signaling a continuation of hardline policies implemented during his first term.
Biden’s decision, announced on January 14, sought to reverse Trump-era measures that had strained US-Cuba relations. In addition to removing Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list, Biden also suspended a provision of the Helms-Burton Act, which had allowed US citizens to pursue legal claims over property seized by the Cuban government. The move aligned with Biden’s broader commitment to renewing diplomatic ties with Havana, an effort initiated under the Obama administration in 2015.
However, Trump’s inauguration on January 21 marked an abrupt halt to Biden’s initiatives. In one of his first executive actions, Trump rescinded 78 measures introduced by the outgoing administration, including the decision on Cuba’s designation. This immediate annulment reinstated Cuba’s status as a state sponsor of terrorism, reflecting Trump’s broader policy framework of isolating the Cuban government.
Trump’s reinstatement of Cuba on the terrorism list builds upon his administration’s efforts since 2017 to reverse the thaw in relations achieved under President Barack Obama. The rapprochement, which saw embassies reopened and restrictions eased, was abandoned when Trump took office. Over the course of his presidency, Trump tightened travel restrictions to Cuba, prohibited business dealings with entities controlled by the Cuban military, and reinstated punitive economic measures.
The decision to relist Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism further solidifies Trump’s legacy of strong opposition to Havana. The designation carries significant consequences, including restrictions on US foreign aid, a ban on defense exports and sales, and financial sanctions. Critics of Trump’s policy argue that it will exacerbate tensions and hinder potential progress in US-Cuba relations.
This rapid policy shift reflects the ideological divide between the two administrations and highlights the challenges of maintaining consistent US foreign policy. With Trump reinstating Cuba on the terrorism list, the road to reconciliation between the US and Cuba appears fraught with obstacles, leaving diplomatic efforts in limbo.
