Reports from international human rights organizations or official Cuban government statements.

Biden to Lift Cuba's Terrorism Designation in Final Days to Free Prisoners

Jan 14, 2025, 08:16 PM

The Biden administration is expected to lift the United States' designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The decision, reported on Tuesday by the Associated Press and other news outlets, comes in the final days of President Joe Biden's term. The move is part of a deal brokered by the Catholic Church to facilitate the release of political prisoners in Cuba. In addition to removing Cuba from the list, the administration plans to rescind sanctions on the Cuban military and eliminate restrictions on financial transactions. Republican lawmakers have expressed outrage over the decision and vowed to reverse it when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Officials spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to comment publicly.