In a bold move, Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar enthusiastically endorsed a new executive order by Donald Trump targeting the Cuban regime. She issued a fervent plea to the Cuban exile community, urging them to cease financial support to a system she claims survives solely on external funds.
"The complicity with the Cuban dictatorship is over," Salazar declared on X, as she praised the U.S. President's decision to declare a national emergency, potentially leading to tariffs on nations that continue to supply oil to Cuba.
Salazar shifted the spotlight beyond Washington's policies, emphasizing the exiles' responsibility. "Every dollar that flows into Cuba extends the life of the dictatorship and the suffering of the Cuban people," she stated, directly addressing remittances and financial inflows that, according to critics, bolster Havana's power while citizens endure persistent shortages.
The congresswoman described the current period as pivotal, urging Cuban expatriates to recognize their "inescapable historical responsibility." Her remarks coincide with the Trump administration's intensified economic and diplomatic pressure on Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime, which is viewed as a threat to U.S. national security due to its alliances with Russia, China, Iran, and groups labeled as terrorist organizations.
"This is the year for Cuba's freedom. It's now or never," Salazar proclaimed, capturing the essence of a strategy aimed at the total collapse of a system weakened by internal crises, the loss of Venezuelan support, and mounting international pressure.
As power outages and hopelessness define daily life in Cuba, the congresswoman's call raises a challenging question for the exile community: to what extent can economic and familial sacrifices also serve as a political pressure tool in what many deem a critical juncture for the island's future?
The Impact of Economic Sanctions on Cuba
What is the purpose of Trump's executive order against Cuba?
The executive order aims to declare a national emergency that could lead to tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, increasing economic pressure on the regime.
How do remittances affect the Cuban government?
Remittances provide crucial financial support to the Cuban government, enabling the regime to maintain its power despite economic challenges.