Biden Removes Cuba from Terrorism List in Vatican-Mediated Deal to Free 553 Prisoners

Jan 14, 2025, 09:54 PM

On January 14, 2025, the Biden administration notified Congress of its decision to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, reversing the Trump administration's 2021 designation. The move is part of a deal facilitated by the Vatican, under which Cuba will release 553 prisoners, including political detainees. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude for the decision but noted it was limited and called for the lifting of the U.S. embargo. The removal from the terrorism list is expected to ease restrictions on trade and economic relations between the two countries. However, some U.S. lawmakers, including Representative María Elvira Salazar, criticized the decision, arguing that it empowers the Cuban government and undermines national security.