A group of individuals staged an intimidating protest against Mike Hammer, the U.S. ambassador to Cuba, as he exited the San Francisco de Paula Church in Trinidad after meeting with Father José Conrado Rodríguez.
According to Yanetsy Pino, a professor and researcher who shared the incident on Facebook, the ambassador visited the parish on Saturday morning. Upon leaving, five individuals shouted at and confronted him publicly, which Pino described as an "act of repudiation."
Pino mentioned that a video of the encounter was sent to her from Trinidad, noting that the initial seconds capture the "yelling" of those involved.
Since the early months of 2025, tensions have escalated between the Cuban regime and U.S. ambassador Mike Hammer. Hammer has consistently reported being under constant surveillance by the State Security during his travels across the country, claiming that regime agents frequently follow and record him.
“We are constantly being filmed,” the diplomat stated from Miami. Not long after, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) accused him of encouraging citizens to commit crimes and undermine the constitutional order, further straining diplomatic relations.
This diplomatic strain intensified in June 2025, when undercover agents orchestrated an act of repudiation on the Regla Ferry while the ambassador was en route to a service at the Church of Our Lady of Regla. The event, captured on video, showed purported civilians confronting the ambassador, later confirmed to be a State Security operation.
The following day, Hammer downplayed the incident, reiterating his dedication to “street diplomacy,” which emphasizes direct engagement with the Cuban people.
Instead of offering an apology, the regime ramped up its propaganda campaign against Hammer. In the subsequent weeks, the officialist offensive persisted.
State-run media controlled by the Communist Party published cartoons and articles mocking the diplomat, portraying him as an "outspoken anti-communist."
A cartoon in Granma highlighted the regime's antagonism towards Hammer's straightforward and open diplomatic approach.
Key Questions on U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Tensions
What incident occurred to U.S. Ambassador Mike Hammer in Trinidad?
Mike Hammer, the U.S. ambassador to Cuba, was subjected to an "act of repudiation" by five individuals as he left the San Francisco de Paula Church in Trinidad.
How has the Cuban regime responded to Ambassador Hammer's presence?
The Cuban regime has accused Hammer of inciting criminal activities and has intensified propaganda efforts to ridicule his diplomatic efforts.
What is "street diplomacy" as emphasized by Ambassador Hammer?
"Street diplomacy" refers to Hammer's approach of directly engaging with the Cuban populace, listening to their concerns and experiences firsthand.