New Jersey Gov . Chris Christie -- a potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate -- finally broke his silence on President Barack Obama 's decision to normalize relations with Cuba in a letter to the President issued on Sunday . Christie urged Obama to demand Cuba hand over Joanne Chesimard , an American fugitive who escaped from prison after she was convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper . Christie also joined the chorus of Republicans who oppose Obama 's decision to re-establish ties with Cuba without substantial political reforms . Chesimard , now known as Assata Shakur , was a member of the militant group the Black Liberation Army and gained political asylum in Cuba , where she lives freely . Chesimard is on the FBI 's most wanted terrorist list , with a $ 1 million reward for information leading to her capture . Who is Assata Shakur ? `` Despite my profound disagreement with this decision , I believe there is an opportunity for Cuba and its government to show the American people it is serious about change , '' Christie wrote to Obama , according to a copy of the letter Christie 's office provided . `` If , as you assert , Cuba is serious about embracing democratic principles then this action would be an essential first step . '' Christie added that he was `` very disappointed '' that Chesimard 's return was not already one of the conditions of normalizing relations in Obama 's deal with Cuban President Raul Castro . `` The family of her victims , like so many of those who have , and continue to suffer under the Castro regime , deserve this basic decency before further steps toward Cuba are taken by this government , '' Christie wrote . Senate Republicans , including Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio , have already vowed to do everything they can to prevent or blunt the impact of Obama 's efforts to normalize relations with Cuba . The pair -- members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee -- pledged to tie up funds for a planned embassy and to prevent Obama 's nominee for ambassador to win confirmation .
New Jersey Gov . Chris Christie said on Sunday he does not support the President 's decision to normalize relations with Cuba . Christie did send a letter to Obama asking he press Cuba to hand over a wanted fugitive , however .