Lis Cuesta's Mocking Response to Sanctions Against Her and Díaz-Canel: "Too Late, He Was Already in New York"

Lis Cuesta, the wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, responded with sarcasm on Saturday to the sanctions imposed by the United States government. These sanctions prevent both the leader and his immediate family, including Cuesta, from entering the U.S. In a tweet from her official account, Cuesta remarked, “.@DiazCanelB was already in NY, walked the streets and felt the love. #AlreadyDone. Too late.” Accompanied by a video showing Díaz-Canel strolling down a New York street surrounded by security, this message is seen as a provocation that disregards the seriousness of the sanctions and the suffering of the Cuban people.

The tweet came just 24 hours after the U.S. State Department formally sanctioned Díaz-Canel and his circle for their direct involvement in "serious human rights violations," particularly following the brutal crackdown on July 11, 2021. These sanctions include visa revocations and a ban on entering the country, extended to close family members.

Public Outrage Over Cuesta's Tone

Cuesta's mocking tone has sparked outrage among Cubans both on the island and abroad. Many see it as a display of the ruling elite's disconnect and cynicism. While hundreds of thousands of Cubans face extreme obstacles to legally emigrate or reunite with their families through humanitarian parole, the so-called “not first lady” boasts publicly about having been on American soil.

“For her, it’s a story; for us, it’s a sentence,” commented a user from Miami on social media. Others pointed out that Cuesta was never officially invited to these delegations but always accompanies Díaz-Canel on his trips, without accountability or holding any official position.

Travel Privileges and a History of Controversy

Lis Cuesta has traveled with Díaz-Canel on at least two official visits to New York, in 2018 and 2023. Her presence on these trips has drawn criticism, particularly because she holds no recognized institutional role in Cuba, where there isn't even an official title of "First Lady."

During their first official visit in 2018, the couple was seen dancing salsa in Harlem, amidst an official agenda that included speeches at the UN and diplomatic meetings. In 2023, there was an incident where the U.S. Secret Service had to urgently evacuate the Cuban leader from a religious event.

Symbolic Impact of the Sanctions

Although many believe the sanctions are more symbolic than effective, they set a precedent: it is the first time Díaz-Canel has been personally sanctioned by the U.S., placing him on the same list as figures like Raúl Castro. The measure responds to the anniversary of July 11 protests and aims to send a message of support to those who protested in Cuba and remain imprisoned today.

Washington also sanctioned Defense Minister Álvaro López Miera and Interior Minister Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, along with their families. Additionally, it expanded its list of prohibited hotels linked to the military conglomerate GAESA.

Between Repression and Arrogance

While blackouts, shortages, and political repression continue in Cuba, the ruling elite seems more concerned with maintaining a triumphant narrative. Díaz-Canel himself responded to the sanctions with a message blending victimhood and propaganda: “What bothers the U.S. about #Cuba is true independence, that we have free health and education.”

For many Cubans, such rhetoric rings hollow compared to the reality of resource-strapped hospitals, teacherless classrooms, and a collapsing economy. Cuesta's taunting only strengthens the perception that those in power live in a bubble of impunity and privilege, completely detached from the suffering of the people they claim to represent.