Vic Mellor, a Republican congressional candidate from Rhode Island who participated in the January 6, 2021, march on the Capitol that escalated into chaos, has registered with the U.S. Department of Justice as a foreign agent connected to the Cuban government. This development was first reported by The Bulwark on July 1 and further detailed by The Providence Journal this Thursday.
Documents submitted in compliance with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), dated June 16, reveal Mellor's interactions with various Cuban government departments and officials, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a visa-related official, an office or official dealing with American Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Directorate of Personal Security.
Mellor's primary contact, as listed in the documents, is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," the grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Rodríguez Castro in May for the 1996 shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue aircraft, an attack that resulted in the deaths of four individuals.
According to Mellor's own filings, his role includes digital communication consulting: "strategy and content suggestions for social media, ideas for effective websites," and the creation of a short unpublished video on cultural misunderstandings between Cubans and Americans.
Mellor described his work as potentially preparing informational materials and distributing them, along with offering sample ideas for social media content and strategies to build communication bridges between Cubans and Americans.
In his registration documents, Mellor stated there was "no formal agreement or understanding" at the time of registration, and he has not responded to inquiries about whether he receives compensation for these activities.
Mellor's trips to Cuba had been previously noted. In late May, he made an unexpected visit to Havana to deliver humanitarian supplies and had two dinners with Rodríguez Castro and a high-level political advisor, totaling about four and a half hours. By June 6, he was back at Boston's Logan Airport for another flight to Cuba's capital.
In past public statements, Mellor openly praised Raúl Castro's grandson, saying, "Raúl's vision for the future is very promising," as reported by AFP. He also claimed Rodríguez Castro is "completely open" to discussions with President Donald Trump and "letting Trump lead the way."
The State Department was unequivocal: Mellor "is not authorized to speak on behalf of the U.S. government and is not involved in anything the administration does."
This registration as a foreign agent comes at a politically charged moment. The Department of Justice filed historic criminal charges against Raúl Castro on May 20 over the Brothers to the Rescue aircraft shootdown, while the Trump administration continues to exert maximum pressure on the Cuban regime amidst new sanctions and a severe energy crisis on the island.
Mellor is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat in Rhode Island, currently held by Democrat Seth Magaziner, who responded sharply on Thursday: "A registered agent of a foreign dictatorship should not represent Rhode Island in Congress, period. Unlike Vic Mellor, my loyalty is solely to the United States and Rhode Island."
Understanding the Implications of Foreign Agent Registration
What is the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)?
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is a U.S. law requiring individuals who engage in political or advocacy activities on behalf of foreign governments or entities to disclose their relationship with the foreign entity and their related activities and finances.
Why did Vic Mellor register as a foreign agent for Cuba?
Vic Mellor registered as a foreign agent for Cuba due to his involvement with the Cuban government, including interactions with officials and providing digital communication advice. This registration is required under FARA to ensure transparency of foreign influence in U.S. affairs.
What are the political implications of Mellor's actions?
Mellor's registration as a foreign agent for Cuba comes at a sensitive time, with increased tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, ongoing sanctions, and legal actions against Cuban officials. His actions have drawn criticism and raised questions about his loyalty and fitness to hold public office.