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Carlos Giménez Warns Díaz-Canel Following Trump's New Measures: "You Have No Idea What's Coming!"

Friday, July 4, 2025 by Elizabeth Alvarado

Carlos Giménez Warns Díaz-Canel Following Trump's New Measures: "You Have No Idea What's Coming!"
Carlos Giménez and Miguel Díaz-Canel - Image by © X / @RepCarlos and Cuban Presidency

Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez issued a stark warning to Miguel Díaz-Canel after Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum that bans U.S. tourism to Cuba and strengthens the economic embargo on the island. "Handpicked dictator, these U.S. measures are designed to further dismantle your murderous regime. This is just the tip of the iceberg. You have no idea what's coming!" Giménez posted on his official social media account, using hashtags such as #PatriaYVida, #FreedomForPoliticalPrisoners, and #SOSCuba.

Giménez's statement was a direct response to Díaz-Canel's tweet, in which the Cuban leader described Washington's new policies as "infamous" and accused the U.S. of "profiting from the pain and suffering of the Cuban people."

Trump Administration's Tough Stance on Cuba

The presidential memorandum, signed on June 30, prohibits American tourism to Cuba, tightens regulations on transactions with military entities like GAESA, and mandates detailed audits of travel for at least five years. Additionally, it maintains the elimination of the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" policy and requires ongoing monitoring of human rights violations on the island.

According to the White House, these measures aim to reverse the Biden administration’s previous relaxations and pressure the Cuban regime into enacting genuine changes in political, economic, and civil freedoms.

U.S. Officials Endorse the Measures

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the decision publicly. "Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the United States is committed to promoting freedom and prosperity in Cuba," Rubio wrote online. "Make no mistake: under his leadership, we will hold the Cuban regime accountable and support the Cuban people in their quest for freedom and justice," he added, a statement many saw as a reaffirmation of commitment to Cuban exiles and dissidents within the island.

Havana's Response and the Reality on the Ground

In a statement released on July 2 by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), the Cuban government categorically rejected the memorandum, labeling it "abusive, transgressive, and illegal." The statement claims Cuba is "a peaceful, stable, and supportive nation" and accuses the U.S. of attempting to "seize the country and control its destiny."

However, this official portrayal of "stability" sharply contrasts with the harsh reality faced by the Cuban people: prolonged blackouts, widespread shortages, inflation, a collapse of basic services, and unprecedented mass migration.

Giménez's Consistent Position

Carlos Giménez's stance is not new. In May, the Republican congressman publicly supported a campaign under the slogan "Zero remittances, zero travel, zero dialogue," aimed at severing all economic and diplomatic ties with the regime. "As long as that money keeps flowing, the regime will remain strong," he said at the time. "What the Cuban people need is not oxygen for their oppressor, but solidarity in their fight for freedom."

From his seat in Congress, Giménez, who represents Florida’s 28th District, home to a significant portion of the Cuban exile community, has called for a policy of maximum pressure and has reiterated that negotiations with those who imprison and repress their own people are not possible.

Questions about U.S.-Cuba Relations

What are the key elements of Trump's new memorandum on Cuba?

The memorandum prohibits U.S. tourism to Cuba, tightens control over transactions with military entities, requires travel audits for five years, and demands monitoring of human rights violations.

How has the Cuban government responded to the new U.S. policies?

The Cuban government has rejected the policies, calling them abusive and illegal, and claims the U.S. is trying to control the country's destiny.

What does Carlos Giménez advocate for in terms of U.S.-Cuba relations?

Carlos Giménez advocates for a policy of maximum pressure, supporting a campaign to cut all economic and diplomatic ties with the Cuban regime.

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