Republican Congressman Carlos A. Giménez took to X on Friday, voicing his unwavering opposition to Cuba's dictatorship while reaffirming his support for the Trump administration's policies toward the island. This came a day after the CIA director held talks in Havana.
Using the hashtag #SOSCuba, Giménez declared, "We will never forgive those who destroyed our beautiful island. Those who tortured, imprisoned, and executed our families and friends. Those who separated us from our loved ones and cherished places. The dictatorship in Cuba must end!"
In a contrasting second message posted at 8:30 PM, the congressman expressed hope, stating, "Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio, we will make Cuba great again!" Both tweets were released within four minutes of each other, coinciding with CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Havana on May 14, where he met with Cuban intelligence officials, including Raúl Guillermo 'Raulito' Rodríguez Castro, Raúl Castro’s grandson.
According to Axios, Ratcliffe relayed a message from Trump to the regime: Washington is open to discussions on economic and security matters, but only if Cuba makes "fundamental changes."
The visit sparked mixed reactions among the Cuban-American Republican bloc. While lawmakers like Giménez, Mario Díaz-Balart, and María Elvira Salazar support Trump's maximum pressure policy, they have warned against any gestures that might legitimize the regime without verifiable democratic reforms.
On that same Friday, Giménez also called for Raúl Castro to be brought to justice for "crimes against humanity," aligning with a letter he co-signed with Díaz-Balart, Salazar, and Senator Rick Scott that urged the Department of Justice to formally charge the former dictator for the downing of the Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996.
Giménez, the only U.S. Congress member born in Cuba, represents Florida's 28th District (Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys) and serves on the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Select Committee on China.
His statements come amidst growing U.S. pressure on Havana. On May 1, Trump signed an executive order extending sanctions on key sectors of the Cuban economy, including energy, defense, and financial services.
On May 7, Rubio announced direct sanctions against GAESA, the military conglomerate controlling much of the island's formal economy.
Cuba is currently grappling with its worst energy crisis in years, marked by widespread blackouts and severe fuel shortages, intensifying internal pressure on the regime and setting the stage for tactical openings some Cuban government sectors seem to be exploring with Washington.
Back in March, Giménez had used a similar phrase when he thanked Trump for his leadership against the regime, stating, "Let's make Cuba great again!" His recent messages reaffirm his long-held stance since the beginning of the second Republican administration.
Key Insights on U.S.-Cuba Relations and Political Stances
What is Carlos Giménez's position on the Cuban regime?
Carlos Giménez is firmly against the Cuban regime, condemning it for human rights abuses and calling for its end.
How does Giménez view Trump's policy on Cuba?
Giménez supports Trump's policy on Cuba, praising his leadership and aligning with the maximum pressure strategy.
What recent actions have the U.S. taken against the Cuban economy?
The U.S. has expanded sanctions against key sectors of the Cuban economy and imposed direct sanctions on GAESA.