When President Biden decided to lift Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, he ignited bipartisan outrage—and for good reason. As Christians, we are called to care for the oppressed and seek justice. However, justice must not be blind to reality, and mercy should not come at the expense of truth. This move, framed as a gesture of faith in the Catholic Church’s negotiations with Cuba’s Communist regime, feels more like an ill-advised retreat dressed up in the robes of diplomacy.

The Problem with Lifting the Label

Let’s start with the facts. The state sponsor of terrorism designation isn’t just a symbolic slap on the wrist. It’s one of the most severe tools the U.S. has to confront regimes that harbor terrorists and flout international norms. Cuba has a well-documented history of aiding and abetting fugitives and violent extremists. According to the State Department under the Trump administration, the regime provided refuge to murderers, bombmakers, and hijackers—criminals like Joanne Chesimard, who remains on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists List for killing a New Jersey State Trooper in 1973.

Cuba has also hosted leaders of the National Liberation Army (ELN), a designated terrorist group responsible for bombings and killings in Colombia. Let’s not sugarcoat this: Havana’s hospitality to these actors isn’t a relic of the past. It’s a persistent pattern.

By lifting the terrorism designation, Biden sends the message that these behaviors are forgivable, or at least negotiable, when they are neither.

Misplaced Compassion

The White House defended the decision by citing ongoing talks between the Catholic Church and the Cuban government regarding political prisoners. Let me be clear: as a Christian, I wholeheartedly support efforts to free the oppressed. But does anyone truly believe that the Cuban regime will change its stripes because of a handshake and a few kind words? Scripture reminds us in Matthew 7:16, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Cuba’s fruit is rotten—its long history of repression and collaboration with terrorists hasn’t magically improved in six months.

This move reeks of naivety. It’s like trusting the proverbial wolf to guard the sheep simply because it promises to play nice. The Cuban regime has consistently used diplomacy as a smokescreen for its oppressive agenda. Negotiations may lead to the release of a handful of prisoners, but they will not reform a system rooted in brutality.

Bipartisan Backlash

Republican leaders like Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, both of Cuban heritage, immediately condemned the move as a betrayal of the Cuban people and U.S. security. Even Florida Democrats, including Nikki Fried, blasted the decision, labeling it a naive capitulation to a regime that continues to oppress its citizens.

This kind of unity among Republicans and Democrats is rare. It underscores just how out of step Biden’s decision is with the reality on the ground. Cuba isn’t just a thorn in America’s side; it’s a threat to its neighbors and an affront to human dignity.

Strategic Consequences

What’s particularly baffling is the timing. Biden is days away from handing the reins to President-elect Trump and his incoming Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. This move almost guarantees a swift reversal. So why bother? It feels more like a parting shot than a thoughtful policy decision.

Moreover, removing Cuba from the terrorism list could have broader implications. It weakens one of the few remaining levers of pressure we have on the regime. It also sends a confusing signal to our allies and adversaries alike. If Cuba—a nation harboring fugitives and fostering terrorists—gets a pass, what does that say about our commitment to holding bad actors accountable?

A Call for Prudence

As Christians, we are called to temper justice with mercy, but mercy must be grounded in truth. Proverbs 17:15 warns, “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” By lifting this designation, Biden risks justifying wickedness and emboldening a regime that continues to oppress its people.

There’s a time for negotiation and dialogue, but there’s also a time for strength and clarity. Removing Cuba from the terrorism list sends the wrong message at the wrong time. Instead of rewarding bad behavior, we should stand firm, demand accountability, and support policies that genuinely promote freedom and justice.

In short, this decision is a mistake—one that, thankfully, can and should be corrected swiftly.