Republican Congressman Byron Donalds took to social media platform X on Tuesday to deliver a powerful message via video, demanding the end of what he described as the "brutal and murderous communist dictatorship" that has oppressed the Cuban people for generations.
Donalds highlighted the Cuban government as a direct threat to U.S. national security, sitting just 90 miles off the coast of Florida.
Positioned as the frontrunner for the governorship of Florida in the November 2026 elections, with backing from Donald Trump, Donalds argued that the timing is perfect to push for the regime's collapse. This is particularly pertinent as Cuba has lost its Venezuelan oil supply following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026.
"If their economy can't sustain itself, we need to tighten the screws. It's time for that regime to fall," the congressman stated.
In his video message, Donalds emphasized that no previous president had the resolve to dismantle the regime, but Trump does. "Donald Trump is taking the security of the Western Hemisphere very seriously. That's why it's time for them to go," he declared.
The congressman also suggested a negotiated exit, stating that if the regime wishes to survive, it must transform into a liberal democracy grounded in individual freedoms and constitutional rights—a change that would benefit both the Cuban people and the approximately 1.6 million Cuban-Americans residing in Florida.
Donalds' post quickly garnered attention, racking up over 34,000 views, 2,510 likes, and 164 comments within hours.
His statements came a day after Trump expressed that it would be "an honor" to "take Cuba," labeling the island as a "failed nation."
Trump warned, "There will be a deal, or we'll do what we have to do."
Cuba is currently experiencing its most severe energy crisis in decades. On Monday, the island faced a nationwide blackout, the cause of which the Díaz-Canel government admitted it did not know.
U.S. negotiators are in talks with Havana, demanding the removal of Miguel Díaz-Canel as a condition for any agreement.
Donalds is leading the Republican primaries for Florida governor with 28% to 30% of voter intention, according to recent polls, and has made Cuban issues a central theme of his campaign. The election for Florida's governorship is set for November 3, 2026.
Key Issues Regarding the Cuban Regime
Why does Byron Donalds consider the Cuban regime a threat to U.S. national security?
Byron Donalds views the Cuban government as a direct threat to U.S. national security due to its proximity, being only 90 miles from Florida's coast.
What has changed that makes Donalds believe it's the right time to push for the regime's collapse?
Donalds believes it's an opportune time due to Cuba's loss of its Venezuelan oil supply and the subsequent arrest of Nicolás Maduro, which impacts Cuba's economic sustainability.
How does Donalds suggest the Cuban regime could survive?
Donalds suggests that for the Cuban regime to survive, it must transition into a liberal democracy that respects individual freedoms and constitutional rights.