The United States Ambassador to Cuba, Mike Hammer, has publicly addressed a recent incident in Trinidad where he was met with hostility and insults from a group as he exited the San Francisco de Paula Church after meeting with Father José Conrado Rodríguez.
In a statement shared on the embassy's Facebook page, Hammer expressed that he continues to travel across the island, engaging with "more everyday Cubans" to discuss their "aspirations" and hopes for a "better Cuba."
Regarding the confrontation, Hammer acknowledged that there were some individuals who hurled insults, suggesting they might be affiliated with a particular party. He emphasized, however, that these individuals "do not reflect the Cuban people, the everyday Cubans," concluding his message with "I look forward to seeing you until next time."
"I suspect they belong to a certain party, but I know they do not represent the Cuban people, the everyday Cubans," he stated.
The denunciation of this hostile act was reported by Yanetsy Pino, a professor and researcher, who confirmed Hammer's visit to the parish on Saturday morning. Pino recounted that as Hammer left the church, five individuals shouted and accosted him in public, noting that a video of the event was sent to her from Trinidad, capturing the commotion instigated by the participants.
Journalist José Luis Tan Estrada identified one of the agitators as Emilio González Fritze, a former member of the CTC and currently a "professor at the Party school."
Since early 2025, tensions have escalated between the Cuban regime and Hammer. The ambassador has frequently reported on the constant surveillance by State Security during his visits, and at one point, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned him, accusing him of inciting citizens to commit crimes and undermine constitutional order.
Additionally, another hostile encounter involving the ambassador surfaced. In June 2025, Hammer faced harassment from regime supporters while en route to a church service aboard the Lanchita de Regla. The incident was later described as a state security operation.
Despite these challenges, Hammer downplayed the occurrences, reaffirming his commitment to a "street diplomacy" approach focused on directly hearing from the people.
Understanding the Tensions Between Mike Hammer and the Cuban Regime
What prompted the hostile encounter with Mike Hammer in Trinidad?
The encounter was prompted by a group of individuals who insulted Hammer as he left a church service, potentially due to his perceived affiliations and actions against the Cuban regime.
How has Mike Hammer responded to the incidents of hostility?
Hammer has downplayed the incidents, emphasizing that they do not represent the broader sentiments of the Cuban people, and continues to advocate for direct engagement with citizens.
Why are tensions rising between the Cuban regime and Mike Hammer?
Tensions are rising due to Hammer's criticisms of the Cuban government's surveillance and his efforts to connect with everyday Cubans, which the regime sees as incitement against their authority.