On Monday, Cuban-American Congressman Carlos A. Giménez directly addressed Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla following the minister's accusation that Florida politicians were "restricting and threatening" businesses interested in engaging with Cuba.
Giménez's response was a direct reply to a statement by the Cuban minister, who expressed grievances about Miami's scrutiny of businesses with commercial ties to Cuba. This followed Hialeah's mayor announcing an audit of nearly 300 local enterprises suspected of collaborating with the Cuban government.
"You're more concerned about Miami's actions than addressing the dire conditions facing the Cuban people. Your time is limited, and we're on it," Giménez declared on his X account, referencing the foreign minister's comments.
Rodríguez had earlier claimed that while the U.S. government "claims to support free enterprise and the freedom of its citizens to invest and conduct business anywhere," Florida politicians are obstructing, limiting, and threatening American and Cuban-American entrepreneurs under unfounded pretenses.
The Republican congressman, representing Florida's 28th district, has been vocal in his criticism of the Havana regime, in line with Washington's tightening stance on the island.
Back on January 12, Giménez addressed Lis Cuesta, the wife of the Cuban leader, stating, "You still have time to turn in Díaz-Canel. I doubt things will end well for you in a federal prison," referencing previous reports on the U.S. special forces' capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.
Giménez has also advocated for a complete oil embargo on Cuba, asserting that "an oil embargo is crucial to prevent the regime from mobilizing against the people." He has further criticized the Cuban government for "harboring some of the world's most dangerous criminals, convicted terrorists, and fugitives from U.S. justice," based on another recent statement.
The congressman's remarks reflect the increasing U.S. pressure on Havana, following developments in Venezuela and the actions of former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio aimed at weakening Cuba's political and military structures. These sentiments echo those of other Cuban-American congress members from Florida, such as María Elvira Salazar and Mario Díaz-Balart, who have supported Trump's efforts to foster political change in Cuba, warning that "freedom is coming" to the island, amid a regional backdrop marked by Nicolás Maduro's fall in Venezuela.
Key Insights on U.S.-Cuba Relations
What prompted Carlos Giménez's response to the Cuban foreign minister?
Carlos Giménez responded to accusations by the Cuban foreign minister that Florida politicians were threatening businesses interested in engaging with Cuba.
What stance does Carlos Giménez take on U.S. policy towards Cuba?
Carlos Giménez supports a firm stance against the Cuban regime, advocating for measures like a full oil embargo and criticizing the regime for harboring criminals.
How does the U.S. pressure on Cuba relate to changes in Venezuela?
U.S. pressure on Cuba is part of a broader strategy following changes in Venezuela, aiming to weaken Cuba's political and military influence in the region.