Biden Proposing to Review Cuba Policy, Claims His Changes Will Support Democracy and Human Rights

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The Biden administration is planning to review U.S. policy on Cuba, most recently instituted by former President Donald J. Trump, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Thursday.

The administration is considering rolling back former Pres. Trump’s policy, which strained U.S. relations with Cuba, further restricting the inflow of money to the oppressive, one-party government’s leaders.

These changes were praised by many Cuban-Americans as a positive move forward after a misstep during the Obama era which attempted to normalize relations with the leaders of the small country.

Historically, monies that are filtered into the country go directly to the ruling party, which continues to oppress their people, blaming the United States rather than the nature and inhuman behaviors of the communistic regime.

“Our Cuba policy is governed by two principles. First, support for democracy and human rights…the core of our efforts. Second is Americans, especially Cuban Americans, are the best ambassadors for freedom in Cuba. So we’ll review the Trump administration policies,”  Psaki said during a press briefing.

Former Pres. Trump clamped down on Cuba after taking office in 2017. He tightened restrictions on U.S. travel and remittances to Cuba. He also imposed sanctions on shipments of Venezuelan oil to the island.

The policy was popular among the large Cuban-American population in South Florida, helping Trump win the state in November.

Nine days before Trump left office, Trump’s administration announced that it was returning Cuba to the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision was made after months of legal review. Some administration experts even questioned whether the decision was justified.

‘The move could complicate President Joe Biden’s plan to improve U.S. relations with the Communist-run nation. Reversing Cuba’s designation requires lengthy legal deliberations.

“I denounce Sec of State Pompeo maneuvers to include #Cuba in the list of States sponsoring terrorism to please the anti-Cuban minority in Florida,”  tweeted Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Dec. 30 amid speculation about the move.