Encryption Algorithm for GnuPG?

[gnupg at raf.org]

Procopius via Gnupg-users wrote:

> What is the encryption engine for the current GnuPG. I read that it
> isNIST AES. I know IDEA is proprietary so that can’t be used, is this
> correct?
> 
> If it’s NIST AES that is under the US Government? Wouldn’t that be in
> danger of a US back door in the algorithm?
> 
> Elwin

NIST didn't create AES. They selected a subset of an existing block cipher,
Rijndael, for use by the US government to replace the previous standard, DES.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard