Outgoing President Biden has removed Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in exchange for the release of 553 political prisoners. Cuba was placed on the blacklist by President Trump, which resulted in economic aid and arms exports being prohibited. The decision to remove Cuba from the list was based on new information that did not support the designation. Cuba welcomed the announcement, stating that it is a step in the right direction and will help alleviate the severe damage to the Cuban economy.