- President Obama made détente with Cuba — including a trip to the nation — a signature foreign policy.
- President Trump reversed much of that: He added sanctions, put the country back on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism and adopted a hardline approach — in line with critics of Cuba's Communist regime.
- Biden's statement Monday morning backing the protesters was the first time he's publicly addressed Cuba since becoming president.
Between the lines: Biden’s Cuba policy review is ongoing, giving the administration some cover for the time being.
- But the review is expected to end soon, sources familiar with the process tell Axios.
Reporters pressed White House press secretary Jen Psaki for more details during her press briefing Monday.
- Psaki, who said in March that "a Cuba policy shift is not currently among President Biden’s top priorities," was asked whether the events over the weekend change the administration's view.
- She said Biden has "(made) clear that he doesn't support the approach of the government of Cuba," but was noncommittal when asked specifically where the issue ranks as a priority.
- The president later told reporters that “the U.S. stands firmly with the people of Cuba as they assert their universal rights. And we call on the government of Cuba to refrain from violence in their attempt to silence the voices of the people of Cuba.”
What they're saying: Republicans and outsiders have seized on the protests to attack the administration.
The bottom line: The challenge for Democrats isn't entirely from Republicans; their own party is split on the issue.
Be smart: Several progressive lawmakers have been slow to issue a formal response to the protests — or haven't issued one at all.
