Yesterday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau shared a photo on his X account displaying a decorative plaque inscribed with "EAT AND LEAVE!" placed on a shelf of diplomatic books. He explained that this phrase originated from a 2002 phone call between former Mexican President Vicente Fox and Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.
In his post, Landau referred to the saying as "one of my favorites in the Spanish language." He recounted its origin: Fox welcomed Castro to an international forum in Mexico but instructed him to leave after lunch. "You come, give your speech, sit next to me, eat, and then leave, returning to Cuba by the afternoon," was Fox's directive to the Cuban leader.
This incident took place during the UN International Conference on Financing for Development held in Monterrey from March 18 to 22, 2002, with over fifty heads of state in attendance. As the host, Fox faced the challenging task of managing the simultaneous presence of Castro and then-U.S. President George W. Bush, aiming to prevent a diplomatic clash.
Unbeknownst to Fox, Castro recorded the call and, on April 24, 2002, played the entire recording to journalists at a press conference in Havana, sparking an international scandal that strained Mexico-Cuba relations for years. The aftermath was significant: bilateral trade between the two nations plummeted by 75% during Fox's tenure, Cuba amassed a debt with Mexico exceeding $400 million, and in 2004, Fox expelled Cuban ambassador Jorge Bolaños, prompting a reciprocal response from Castro's regime.
The phrase evolved beyond its original context, becoming a cultural and political reference in Mexico. In 2021, a Mexican senator reused it to oppose the visit of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to the country.
Landau noted in his post that he finds the phrase practical in everyday situations: "This saying is quite handy when you don't want a working lunch to take up half your day."
Landau's gesture is deliberate. A Spanish speaker born in Madrid and former U.S. ambassador to Mexico from 2019 to 2021, he consistently criticizes the Cuban regime. In August 2025, on what would have been Castro's 99th birthday, he remarked that those who defend the myths of the dictatorship are intentionally delusional.
In January of this year, he asserted that the Castro-communist regime is on shaky ground and "won't last much longer," echoing President Donald Trump's sentiments. He further added that "after 67 years of a failed revolution that betrayed the Cuban people, it's time for the change that the island's residents aspire to."
By recalling the episode where Fox treated Castro as an unwanted guest, Landau aligns with the Trump administration's strategy of maximum pressure on Havana.
The Impact of the "Eat and Leave" Incident
What was the "Eat and Leave" incident?
The "Eat and Leave" incident refers to a 2002 phone call where Mexican President Vicente Fox invited Fidel Castro to a forum in Mexico but instructed him to leave after lunch to avoid a diplomatic clash with U.S. President George W. Bush.
What were the consequences of the incident for Mexico and Cuba?
The incident led to strained relations between Mexico and Cuba, causing a 75% drop in bilateral trade and resulting in Cuba accumulating a debt over $400 million with Mexico. Additionally, diplomatic tensions escalated with the expulsion of ambassadors from both countries.
How has the phrase "Eat and Leave" been used in recent times?
The phrase has transcended its original context, becoming a cultural reference in Mexico. In 2021, it was used by a Mexican senator to oppose the visit of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, demonstrating its enduring political resonance.