Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel voiced his support for ally Gustavo Petro on Monday, following accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump that the Colombian president is a "narcotics leader encouraging massive drug production." In a statement shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter), Díaz-Canel condemned Washington for "interference" and accused it of trying to reinstate the outdated Monroe Doctrine, long a symbol of U.S. dominance in the region.
"Dear President @petrogustavo, the people of Our America stand with you and with #Colombia. We reject the interference and falsehoods of the U.S. Government, which aims to reimpose the Monroe Doctrine in its relations with the sovereign nations of Latin America and the Caribbean," wrote the Cuban leader.
This declaration arises amid escalating tensions between Washington and Bogotá. Trump's harsh remarks were met with a retort from Petro, who suggested the Republican leader is "misled by his advisors." The diplomatic crisis has intensified with the suspension of all U.S. aid to Colombia and new military operations in the Caribbean. An incident involving the U.S. Navy's bombing of a suspected drug-carrying submarine has sparked protests from the Colombian government over alleged sovereignty violations.
Growing Alliances Amid Internal Struggles
In recent days, Díaz-Canel has also reaffirmed his alliance with Nicolás Maduro, positioning himself as a voice for leftist governments in the region. As Havana rallies around chavismo and openly supports Petro, the Cuban regime grapples with severe internal crises, including power outages exceeding 20 hours, food shortages, and epidemic outbreaks.
The head of the Communist Party in Cuba accused the United States of "reviving imperial interventionism" and of instigating a new Cold War in the Caribbean. Analysts suggest that Díaz-Canel's message aims to bolster the Havana-Caracas-Bogotá axis as a counterbalance to Washington's influence in Latin America. It also underscores the desperation of a regime seeking allies to withstand its growing economic and diplomatic fragility.
Trump's Firm Stance
Meanwhile, Trump remains steadfast in his approach: cutting funds, escalating military pressure, and issuing warnings that if Petro does not combat drug trafficking, "the United States will act on his behalf." By aligning himself with Petro, Díaz-Canel not only opposes the White House but also attempts to cement his role as a defender of the remaining authoritarian regimes in Latin America against the Trump administration.
Key Questions on U.S.-Cuba-Colombia Relations
What is the Monroe Doctrine?
The Monroe Doctrine is a policy declared in 1823 by President James Monroe, which opposed European colonialism in the Americas and asserted U.S. influence over the Western Hemisphere.
Why did Díaz-Canel defend Gustavo Petro?
Díaz-Canel defended Gustavo Petro as part of a strategy to support allied leftist governments in Latin America and oppose U.S. influence in the region.
How has the U.S. responded to the tensions with Colombia?
The U.S. has suspended all aid to Colombia and increased military operations in the Caribbean, which has heightened diplomatic tensions.