Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. mission in Cuba, has confirmed that the Cuban regime is closely monitoring him during his visits around the island. "There's a lot of surveillance, you see Ladas everywhere, we're constantly being filmed," Hammer stated during a press conference in Miami on Friday, referring to the vehicles used by the regime's State Security agents. "If we turn right, others turn right. I don't like going left, but if we do, they follow us," the diplomat jokingly remarked.
Despite the constant filming, Hammer emphasized that their actions are transparent and align with their statements. He expressed concerns about online provocations from so-called “cyberclarias” urging disruptions during his visits. "Every state has the responsibility to protect diplomats. I am confident the Cuban government will uphold this," he cautioned.
Regime's Propaganda Against Hammer
The Cuban regime's propaganda machine responded to Hammer's Miami press conference with an article by Johana Tablada, deputy director of the U.S. Division at Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX). Tablada accused Hammer of lying about the revolution's failure, citing the lack of "electricity, fuel, food, and medicines" without any U.S. policy involvement.
Tablada's article in Cubadebate dismissed Hammer's statements as false, claiming that U.S. unilateral coercive measures, known as the blockade, severely impact Cuba's access to financing, technology, inputs, and medicines, an issue recognized by the UN as a major barrier to Cuba's development. Consistent with the regime's rhetoric, Tablada refused to acknowledge any responsibility for the ongoing crisis on the island, blaming the U.S. for the economic, financial, and commercial siege imposed for over six decades.
Hammer's Critique of the Cuban Revolution
On Friday, Hammer declared in Miami that the citizen discontent in Cuba is widespread and that "the vast majority" of Cubans believe "the Revolution has failed." Having visited all provinces since his appointment, Hammer painted a bleak picture of the island, highlighting the lack of electricity, fuel, food, and medicines, which the population attributes to the Cuban regime, not U.S. policies.
Hammer emphasized that his mission has been to hear directly from the Cuban people, including those traditionally linked to the state apparatus. Despite the surveillance, he is committed to continuing these visits. "I've been traveling the country, seeking interest from everyday Cubans to meet with us to share their concerns, experiences, dreams... even criticisms towards the U.S. government," he affirmed.
He also noted that the current U.S. administration plans to intensify its stance against the regime. "The sanctions announced this Wednesday are just the beginning. More will come, I assure you," he warned, referencing recent measures against Cuban officials involved in human rights violations.
Escalating Tension with U.S. Diplomats
Tablada's article adds to the recent increase in attacks on Hammer through regime-friendly channels and social media, accusing him of acting as an "imperial envoy," violating diplomatic protocols, and promoting a supposed "hybrid warfare" strategy against Cuba. Since Hammer's arrival in Havana in November 2024, his active engagement with civil society has visibly unsettled the state apparatus. In recent months, Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned U.S. diplomats three times to express "vigorous protest" over perceived "interference" activities.
Meanwhile, the Cuban government has used incendiary rhetoric and unverified data to reinforce the narrative that the U.S. is funding opposition figures with destabilizing intentions, citing organizations like the NED (National Endowment for Democracy) or USAID as sources of foreign funding for individuals like Soler or Ferrer, the latter unjustly imprisoned once again.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Diplomacy in Cuba
What is Mike Hammer's role in Cuba?
Mike Hammer is the head of the U.S. mission in Cuba, focusing on engaging with civil society and understanding the realities faced by ordinary Cubans.
How has the Cuban government reacted to Hammer's activities?
The Cuban government has criticized Hammer's activities, accusing him of interference and spreading false narratives about the revolution's failure.
What are the implications of Hammer's statements about the Cuban regime?
Hammer's statements highlight the widespread dissatisfaction among Cubans and suggest that the U.S. plans to increase pressure on the Cuban regime through additional sanctions.