In the wake of President Donald Trump's latest executive order aimed at obstructing oil supplies to Cuba, Cuban presenter and activist Alexander Otaola has directed a powerful message to his fellow citizens. The order, which introduces tariffs under the pretext of a "national emergency," has sparked approval among the Cuban exile community while drawing sharp criticism from the Havana regime.
Otaola hailed the move as "the first step in a path with no turning back" and urged both the Cuban populace on the island and abroad to stand up decisively against the system that has controlled the nation for over sixty years.
"The first step, as Giménez posted: no oil, no remittances, and no travel... change is now. Oil will no longer reach Cuba, and remittances and travel will be halted in the coming hours or weeks," he asserted on his show, referencing Congressman Carlos Giménez.
He emphasized that Trump's actions signify a new stage in the confrontation with the Cuban regime, delivering one of his most forceful speeches advocating for Cuba's freedom:
"It's now or never, I say this from the heart. Now or never. Everyone against them. Everyone against the murderous dictatorship, against those who force Cuban children to beg in the streets, indoctrinate them in schools, or separate them from their parents who seek a better future that never arrives. Everyone against the ones who have torn families apart. Everyone against the terrorist PCC."
The influencer encouraged belief in what he sees as a historic moment that is within reach.
"We are very close, very close. Don't doubt it, brother, freedom is in the air," he declared.
"Let us all help to finally bring it to the suffering Cuban people, those dying on their knees. Stand up, stand up now because this is the moment. Don't wait any longer. There's nothing more to fear. No solution will come from those who have caused all the pain," he added.
Otaola made it clear that, in his view, there is no room for neutrality or conciliatory voices:
"Anyone advocating for the tyrant is, solely and exclusively, a traitor, and there is no place for traitors in this battle. It's you who will change this. It's you who can liberate yourself, and we are here."
Trump's Offensive Against Cuba
This week, under Trump's leadership, the U.S. government issued an executive order imposing trade sanctions on countries supplying oil to Cuba. The administration justified the move by labeling the Cuban regime's actions as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security, accusing it of collaborating with regimes like Russia, Iran, and China, as well as terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
According to the White House, Cuba "harbors dangerous adversaries," provides infrastructure for foreign intelligence operations, and fosters regional instability through migration flows and systematic repression.
"The United States has zero tolerance for the depredations of the Cuban communist regime," warns the official document.
The ultimate goal, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, is to expedite the collapse of the existing system on the island.
The Cuban government's response was immediate. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned the measure as a "brutal act of aggression," accusing Washington of trying to "subject Cuba to extreme living conditions" through diplomatic blackmail and lies.
"Every day there is more evidence that the only threat to peace, security, and regional stability, and the only malign influence is exerted by the U.S. government," stated the MINREX in a communication.
Escalating Pressure from the Exile Community: "No More Remittances, No More Flights"
Trump's decision coincided with a formal request by South Florida's Cuban-American congressmen, Carlos Giménez and Mario Díaz-Balart, to suspend all flights to Cuba and permanently end remittances.
"No more flights, no more remittances, no more mechanisms sustaining the dictatorship," they proclaimed, joined by members of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance and exile activists.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, although not physically present, supported the call via social media.
The alignment of Trump's official rhetoric, congressional pressure, and the narrative of media figures like Otaola suggests a coordinated strategy from South Florida aimed at provoking a regime change in Cuba.
FAQs on Trump's Measures Against Cuba
What are the implications of Trump's executive order on Cuba?
The executive order aims to block oil supplies to Cuba, impose tariffs on countries facilitating these supplies, and ultimately accelerate the collapse of the current regime.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the U.S. sanctions?
The Cuban government, through Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, has denounced the sanctions as a "brutal act of aggression" and accused the U.S. of trying to destabilize the country.
What role does the Cuban exile community play in Trump's strategy?
The Cuban exile community, particularly in South Florida, has been instrumental in supporting and pushing for more aggressive measures against the Cuban regime, aligning with Trump's strategy.