Roilán Rodríguez Barbán, who serves as the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Plaza de la Revolución, stirred controversy on social media this Saturday. He posted a photo on Facebook showing himself standing with a military salute in front of the grave of Fidel Castro at Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba. His post included a defiant message aimed at Donald Trump, sparking a wave of criticism from Cuban users who highlighted the disconnect between his revolutionary rhetoric and the harsh reality of hunger faced by the Cuban people.
The image shows Rodríguez Barbán wearing a white t-shirt emblazoned with "Creo en ti FIDEL" — with "FIDEL" prominently in red letters — along with a matching cap. In the accompanying text, he refers to Trump as a "fascist and cowardly emperor," and writes, "YOU WILL ONLY GATHER THE DUST OF OUR BLOOD-SOAKED LAND, IF YOU DO NOT PERISH!!! You will never have #Cuba! #PatriaOMuerteVenceremos."
This post came on the heels of Trump's announcement at a private dinner at the Forum Club in Florida, where he stated that the United States would take control of Cuba "almost immediately" after concluding actions in Iran. He also threatened to position the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier off the Cuban coast.
The same day, the Trump administration released a new executive order increasing sanctions against Cuba, specifically targeting sectors like energy, defense, mining, and financial services. This move is part of a broader escalation that includes the national emergency declared by Trump in January due to the regime's alliances with Russia, China, and Iran.
Rather than garnering support, the communist leader's post attracted harsh responses. Wilder García commented, "If you choose to die defending a dictatorship, that's your call, but your duty should be to defend the people." Charelariel Brito responded sarcastically, "What beautiful words from Roilan; you'll only gather the dust of your family if they keep starving, while Fidel and Raúl's relatives live well, you have my support." Yamilka Jorge was more blunt, "With the hunger in Cuba, they don't have the strength to lift a weapon. Sorry, but even you don't believe in the slogan Patria o Muerte Venceremos anymore."
The backdrop to these criticisms is a Cuban economy in freefall: nearly nine out of ten Cubans resort to the informal economy to avoid starvation. The GDP plummeted by 7.2% in 2026, marking a cumulative decline of 23% since 2019, and power outages last between 20 and 25 hours daily.
Deaths from malnutrition in Cuba rose by 74.42%, from 43 to 75 within a year, while the average salary remains at 6,830 pesos against a living cost that exceeds 50,000 pesos per month.
This isn't Rodríguez Barbán's first viral incident. In August 2025, he received the so-called "Liberty Cigar" from Yusuam Palacios during a ceremony at Plaza de la Revolución—a photo that became a meme due to the symbolic gesture's stark contrast with the ongoing crisis.
His latest pose in front of the granite stone covering Fidel Castro's remains once again exposes him to criticism: that of a government official who recites revolutionary slogans while the people he claims to defend lack confidence that the government will improve the situation, as reflected by 94% of Cubans surveyed.
Cuban Political Climate and Public Response
What was the reaction to Rodríguez Barbán's Facebook post?
The post was met with strong criticism from Cuban social media users, who pointed out the disparity between his revolutionary rhetoric and the harsh living conditions in Cuba.
How did Trump respond to the situation in Cuba?
Trump announced plans to take control of Cuba following actions in Iran and threatened a military presence off the Cuban coast, while also intensifying sanctions against the island.
What economic challenges is Cuba currently facing?
Cuba's economy is struggling with a severe decline, with a GDP drop of 7.2% in 2026 and a cumulative 23% since 2019, amid widespread power outages and rising malnutrition rates.