On his first day in office, President Donald Trump has been restored Cubait has been named a state sponsor of terrorism, reversing an executive order issued by former President Joe Biden just last week.

Biden announced the plans to: raise the appointment Part of a deal brokered by the Vatican to free political prisoners in Cuba.

Following the announcement, Cuban authorities began releasing detainees, including some arrested in 2021 during protests against economic hardship and government policies.

Among those released was 24-year-old Reina Yacanara Barreto Batista, who was serving a four-year prison sentence for public disorder.

Barreto Batista told the AP that he and eight others had been released from prison in Camagüey, although officials warned that their release was conditional on good behavior.

The Cuban government said it plans to gradually release 553 prisoners, framing the move as part of the Vatican's 2025 jubilee celebrations, which are not directly linked to the US action.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized the reinstatement of the terrorism designation, calling it a “tool of political coercion” rather than a genuine effort to fight terrorism.

Mr Trump's reversal is in line with his administration's tough stance on Cuba and is supported by: Secretary of State Marco Rubiowho has long advocated sanctions against the island nation.