The phrase "Make Cuba Great Again" has sparked a fresh controversy on Cuban social media after the pro-government show Con Filo criticized several young individuals for wearing caps bearing that slogan. The show linked them to Trumpism, political extremism, and even alleged calls for violence against the island.
Responding to these accusations, the young people in question took to Instagram via the account out_of_the_box_cuba. They released a video denouncing what they see as a media distortion of their message, explaining in simple terms, grounded in their daily experiences, what the cap truly signifies for them.
"Apparently, some media outlets are distorting our message," they state at the beginning of the video. They then show a clip from Con Filo where the host claims, "We need to end the abuse and blackmail."
The host took it further by asserting that some individuals "ask for bombs for the country or wear a Cubanized version of the Trumpist cap."
For these young Cubans, such an association is not only incorrect but deeply insulting. "Let us explain what this cap really means," they retort, summing up their frustration with the official narrative: "These people have less edge than a spoon."
Unlike the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) slogan popularized by Donald Trump, which has become a deeply polarizing political brand in the United States, these young people insist that their message is devoid of ideological or electoral links to American politics, nor does it call for violence. "Our cap isn't about bombs or foreign politicians," they clarify.
The parallel is not accidental. In the U.S., the MAGA slogan has been interpreted in opposing ways. For many Republicans, it symbolizes the recovery of jobs, industry, national strength, and traditional values. Conversely, for many Democrats, it represents nostalgia for an exclusive past, white supremacy, and authoritarian shifts in power. This is highlighted in a recent study by political scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, based on national surveys conducted in 2025.
In Cuba, the meaning these young people attribute to their caps takes a different path. They talk about an "explosion of prosperity" where effort is rewarded and studying is not a futile act. They envision a life with basic needs met as a norm, not a privilege. Electricity, water, gas, health, and transportation—"things that in a normal country aren't luxuries," they emphasize.
This discourse resonates with a generation caught between scarcity and forced exile. "Dreaming of a prosperous Cuba doesn't make us Trumpists. We are young people who don't want to flee to live with dignity," they assert. They describe themselves as children of professionals who can't make ends meet, young people who refuse to spend a lifetime never knowing their own country.
The contrast they highlight is painfully familiar to many Cubans. While they endure blackouts and shortages, they watch as foreigners tour the island and enjoy its landscapes, often inaccessible to locals. "While others, who don't even speak our language, enjoy the beauty of our lands," they say.
Far from being an imported slogan, the cap has become a symbol of frustration, aspiration, and rootedness. "Our cap means we want a Cuba where staying is a source of pride, not a sacrifice," they conclude.
In a country where dissent often leads to public stigmatization, the debate over a simple cap once again highlights the clash between an official narrative that criminalizes disagreement and a youth determined to envision a different future without having to leave.
Understanding the Impact of "Make Cuba Great Again" Caps
What is the significance of the "Make Cuba Great Again" cap for young Cubans?
The cap represents a desire for prosperity and a normal life in Cuba, where basic needs are met not as a privilege but as a standard. It symbolizes frustration and aspiration for change without ideological ties to Trumpism or calls for violence.
How does the message of the Cuban cap differ from the American MAGA slogan?
While the American MAGA slogan is linked to polarizing political views and ideologies, the Cuban cap emphasizes a non-political message focused on improving living standards and opportunities in Cuba without external political associations.
Why do young Cubans reject the association with Trumpism?
Young Cubans reject the association with Trumpism because their message is about local change and improvement in Cuba, not aligning with foreign political ideologies or figures, which they find offensive and misleading.