U.S. Diplomat Mike Hammer Confronted by Cuban Regime Supporters in Varadero: "The People Chose Revolution"

A recent incident involving Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. Mission in Cuba, has stirred controversy following the circulation of a video on social media. The footage shows a group of alleged "revolutionary" citizens confronting Hammer during his visit to Varadero. The video, shared by profiles linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), is part of what Hammer has previously denounced as a campaign of harassment and manipulation.

Hammer, who was on a trip to Matanzas and took the opportunity to privately visit the Varadero beach resort with his family, was approached by a small group of individuals while walking in the area. Although they initially presented themselves as citizens interested in dialogue, the conversation quickly turned political. It became evident that the interaction was staged to film Hammer and use his image for propaganda purposes.

In the video, the supposed casual exchange quickly escalated into a criticism of the U.S. embargo. Hammer was urged to "help" the Cuban people by removing the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Despite responding courteously, Hammer ended the conversation, uncomfortable with the persistence of the alleged citizens.

One of the regime supporters told Hammer, "Now there's mostly Cuban tourism," complaining about the impact of the embargo on tourism. A woman accompanying them chimed in, "We're very frustrated with the tourism issue because... the embargo doesn't let people come." Without allowing Hammer to respond, another "revolutionary" asked, "You like talking to Cubans. You say you want to help the people... save them from the dictatorship, as you call it...". With a smile, Hammer clarified, "No, well, we want the Cuban people to decide."

The so-called spontaneous interlocutor retorted, "The Cuban people have already decided! And they chose the Revolution!" Unfazed, Hammer simply asked, "What about those born after '59?" This question only intensified the group's agitation. Before leaving, Hammer remarked, "Let's see if we can eat in Varadero," while one of the individuals complained that the conversation was unfinished: "He only likes to hear what other people have to say."

The video, posted on Facebook by the pro-government account "La Tía Carmen," was accompanied by messages attempting to discredit Hammer, labeling him an "interventionist" acting against U.S. travel restrictions to Cuba. "La Tía Carmen," known for echoing official campaigns on social media, questioned the legality of Hammer's diplomatic mission on the island and mocked his previous comments on Russian tourists in Varadero. "In his paranoia, he only stopped short of suggesting there's a secret Russian base hidden in a hotel," the account posted.

The content shared once again aimed to reinforce the official narrative that Hammer seeks to destabilize Cuba and tarnish the image of the so-called "revolution." This episode follows several similar incidents reported by Hammer in recent weeks. During a ferry ride in Regla, he faced a protest by undercover agents and also encountered provocations in public meetings in Havana and Matanzas.

In each case, the diplomat has reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with Cubans from all walks of life, but criticized the use of intimidation and manipulation that undermines any genuine attempt at dialogue. The campaign against him coincides with a period of increased visibility on the island, where Hammer has emphasized the importance of listening to the Cuban people directly, without intermediaries or censorship, and has voiced criticism of the current economic and political system's failures.