Republican Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for governor of Florida with the full endorsement of former President Donald Trump, reiterated his tough stance against the Cuban regime during an interview on Sunday. The conversation took place with journalist Ilia Calderón for the "Esta Semana" program on the N+ network.
“When it comes to Cuba, yes, the Cuban regime must fall because it’s time for freedom and peace to prevail on the island,” declared Donalds during the discussion. He also compared the government of Havana to the Iranian regime.
“Whether it's the Iranian regime or the communist dictatorship in Cuba... these regimes do not respect women, freedom of speech, property rights, or Western civilization,” the congressman stated.
Donalds went further, expressing his hopes for a free Cuba after the departure of Díaz-Canel: “I believe that once the Castro regime is gone, including Díaz-Canel, you will see more investment and opportunities for the Cuban people to thrive. That is something good. That is what we want.”
This isn’t the first time Donalds has made such statements. Back in February 2026, he posted on X that the Cuban regime is a “brutal and murderous communist dictatorship” and asserted that “the regime must go.” In March, he escalated his rhetoric by declaring, “it’s time for that regime to fall,” and in April, during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he expressed support for a “total regime change in Cuba.”
The interview with Calderón occurred just days after Donalds announced he had formally qualified for the gubernatorial race, a position no Black Republican has ever held in Florida’s history.
Regarding his standing in the race, Donalds mentioned a 45-point lead in the Republican primary polls. A survey conducted by the Florida Institute of Agriculture from June 3 to 7 places him at 46% against his closest competitors. As of June 1, his campaign and political committee had $65.8 million in cash.
In May 2026, Trump reaffirmed his support for Donalds, describing him as someone who would be “a truly great and powerful governor for Florida.” Donalds acknowledged this backing in the interview, stating, “I obviously have the full endorsement of President Trump. I am very thankful for that.”
On the topic of Cuban immigrants arriving in the U.S. illegally, Donalds was straightforward: “Right now, we don’t even have relations with Cuba. So, if someone enters the United States illegally... leaving Cuba, going to Mexico, leaving Mexico, crossing the southern border, what are we supposed to do as a country?”
The Florida Republican primary is scheduled for August 18, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026.
Byron Donalds and the Future of Cuba
What is Byron Donalds' position on the Cuban regime?
Byron Donalds holds a hardline stance against the Cuban regime, advocating for its downfall and expressing hope for freedom and prosperity for the Cuban people post-regime.
Has Byron Donalds received any notable endorsements for his gubernatorial campaign?
Yes, Byron Donalds has received the full endorsement of former President Donald Trump for his bid to become the governor of Florida.
When is the Florida Republican primary scheduled?
The Florida Republican primary is set for August 18, 2026.