WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is putting Cuba back on the list of countries considered sponsors of terrorism, said a senior United States official, rescinding a 2015 Obama administration move to unfreeze ties with the former Cold War opponent.
The reformulation, which will be announced on Monday, could complicate President-elect Joe Biden’s efforts to improve ties with Havana. It is the latest in a series of foreign policy measures that the government has taken in recent days to try to halt policies before leaving office.
The State Department list to which Cuba is being added includes Syria, Iran and North Korea. Cuba was removed from that list in 2015, when the Obama administration sought to strengthen ties with the country, part of a campaign that included increased commercial air travel, the reopening of embassies and President Obama’s visit to the country.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo must argue that the measure is justified because Cuba has given refuge to an American convicted of the murder of a New Jersey state soldier in 1973 and to cite other complaints against the Cuban government.
A formal statement from management explaining the decision is expected to be issued later on Monday.