A Cuban living in the United States has stirred up a storm on social media after releasing a candid video expressing deep regrets over casting his vote for Donald Trump. He declared that he would never again support the Republican Party. "Folks, let me tell you something. As the head of my family, I gave this triple SOB six votes: my mother-in-law, my two kids, my wife, and myself," stated the TikTok user known as @eldespingao.
He continued with a vow, "For the rest of my life or citizenship, whichever lasts longer, I will never again vote Republican. Starting from the upcoming midterm elections, I’ll ensure those six votes go to the Democrats. I won't make that fool of myself again, you understand?" The Cuban acknowledged his misjudgment with self-criticism: "I am a fool, and I admit it, but I am disgustingly anti-Trump and anti-Republican from now until I die," he asserted.
The video triggered thousands of reactions on TikTok. Some users praised his honesty, commenting, "To err is human, to correct is wise," and "Thank you, brother, for opening your eyes. It's never too late." Others expressed similar sentiments of regret over their votes for the former president. However, many responded with criticism and ridicule. "And you're only realizing now?" questioned one. "You voted for him, own it," another retorted. A user from Miami added, "Now that it affects you, you start complaining."
Some comments were sarcastic or outright offensive, while others highlighted the stark division within the Cuban-American community in the U.S. This testimonial joins other recent accounts of Cuban Americans. In January, another Cuban shared on TikTok that he didn't vote for Trump because he understands what it means to "want a better future" as a migrant and warned about the repercussions of Republican immigration policies.
In February, a Cuban who brought six family members to the U.S. under humanitarian parole expressed fear of deportation. "This is getting out of hand," he confessed. Recently, Mercedes Capaz, mother of Pedro González Capaz, broke down in tears over her son's detention and potential deportation, feeling "deeply betrayed" by Trump.
Criticism has also emerged from activists and journalists. YouTuber Yander Serra harshly criticized Cubans who voted for Trump while their relatives remain stranded at the border. Journalist Mónica Baró questioned those now feigning concern over the consequences of policies they once supported, labeling such behavior as opportunistic.
Adding to these narratives is Jensy Machado, a naturalized Salvadoran who was wrongfully detained by immigration agents. Although he voted for Trump hoping for a stronger economy, he now feels targeted for being Hispanic and has withdrawn his support for the former president.
Some remain steadfast in their views despite the repercussions. A young man whose wife was detained by ICE upon returning from their honeymoon stated, "I don't regret my vote," arguing that "Trump didn’t create the system."
The Cuban in the video illustrates a growing phenomenon: the internal divide among Cuban voters in the U.S., many of whom supported Trump but are now reconsidering the consequences. The rise in deportations, closures of legal pathways like CBP One, and the end of humanitarian parole have prompted a shift in rhetoric among part of the electorate. The video's virality underscores how, with midterm elections approaching, Trump's policies could directly affect the sentiments, families, and votes of the Cuban-American community.
The Impact of Political Choices on Cuban-American Voters
Why are some Cuban-Americans regretting their vote for Trump?
Many Cuban-Americans are expressing regret over their vote for Trump due to the negative impact of his policies on immigration and deportation, which have directly affected their families and communities.
How has the community reacted to the viral video?
The video has elicited mixed reactions, with some praising the honesty and willingness to change, while others have criticized or mocked the individual for his past support of Trump.
What are some challenges facing Cuban-American voters now?
Cuban-American voters face challenges such as deportations, the closure of legal pathways like CBP One, and the end of humanitarian parole, prompting many to reconsider their political alignments.