Biden renews Trump-era determination 'Cuba not cooperating' on antiterrorism efforts

Cuba joins Venezuela, Iran, and others on a list of nations that don't cooperate with the U.S. on antiterrorism.

Published: May 26, 2021 1:18pm

Updated: May 26, 2021 2:55pm

The Biden administration renewed a Trump-era determination that Cuba is "not cooperating fully with United States antiterrorism efforts."

The administration issued a notice on May 14 but released it Tuesday, reaffirming the Trump administration's determination.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at a briefing in March that normalizing relations with Cuba is "not currently among President Biden’s top priorities," according to The Hill.

"We’re committed to carefully reviewing policy decisions made in the prior administration," Psaki said. "Including the decision to designate Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism."

Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, on Tuesday condemning Biden’s decision, tweeting that it was a "slanderous action" as well as “surprising and irritating.”

Cuba joins Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela on the U.S. terror list. Nations put on the list face restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, bans on defense exports and sales and other financial restrictions.