During a rally for Turning Point USA held in Phoenix, Arizona, President Donald Trump announced this Friday that the formidable strength of the U.S. military would soon bring a "new dawn" to Cuba—a moment he described as being 70 years overdue.
The president's remarks sparked a whirlwind of reactions among Cubans both on the island and abroad, blending desperate hope with sharp skepticism and mounting frustration.
A sentiment that resonated with many was the blunt question: "But what day exactly????" Other voices echoed this impatience: "Stop talking about it and just do it," "Before November, please," and "Let it be soon, very soon; the people can't take it anymore, while those in power continue to enjoy and oppress."
Exhaustion also made itself heard: "Oh no, bye, I can't take it anymore, my mental health is in shambles, my nerves are shot, I go online and it's all talk, but no action." Sarcastically, someone asked, "Will there be time to march on May 1st?" while another jokingly coordinated with family: "Planes can land in my grandma's backyard in Cuba; I've already talked to her."
In his address, Trump directly reached out to the Cuban-American community, describing them as people "brutally treated, whose families were murdered and brutalized," and concluded with a warning: "And now, watch what happens."
This statement is just the latest in a series of increasingly explicit presidential declarations. Last Wednesday, Trump mentioned, "We might stop in Cuba after we're done with this," referring to the conflict with Iran. On March 27 in Miami Beach, he joked, "Cuba is next, but pretend I didn't say that." On March 16, he stated from the White House, "I think I'll have the honor of taking Cuba." And on January 3, hours after the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, Trump asserted from Air Force One, "Cuba is ready to fall."
Parallel to the rhetoric, the Trump administration is maintaining diplomatic channels. It was revealed today via Axios that State Department officials met in Havana with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Raúl Castro's grandson, to discuss offering Starlink, economic relief, and potentially lifting the embargo in exchange for free elections and the release of political prisoners.
The Cuban regime, in response, continued its rhetoric of resistance. Yesterday, Díaz-Canel warned of potential U.S. military aggression by invoking the Bay of Pigs anniversary and urged the people to prepare to fight back. On April 7, he cautioned in Newsweek of a "guerrilla war involving the entire population" and predicted "immense losses" for any invading force. However, the April 11 military exercises in Villa Clara, showcasing anti-aircraft artillery pulled by oxen and mules carrying supplies, revealed the true deterioration of the Cuban armed forces and sparked widespread ridicule on social media.
"Bota compotaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa," wrote another user, encapsulating the mood of those who have waited decades for change.
Key Questions on Trump's Promise for Cuba
What did Trump promise regarding Cuba?
Trump promised that the strength of the U.S. military would soon lead to a "new dawn" for Cuba, a moment he described as being 70 years in the making.
How have Cubans reacted to Trump's statements?
Cubans have reacted with a mix of hope, skepticism, and frustration, questioning when this promised change will actually occur.
What diplomatic actions is the Trump administration taking with Cuba?
The administration is maintaining diplomatic channels, including discussions with Raúl Castro's grandson about offering economic relief and potentially lifting the embargo in exchange for democratic reforms in Cuba.