Former Venezuelan ambassador Orlando Viera-Blanco has dismissed the notion that Washington has turned its back on Cuba amid Venezuela's ongoing transition. He offers a perspective that flips the question: Trump's silence, he argues, should not be mistaken for inaction.
"Sometimes silence is more resounding and powerful than words or loud actions," Viera-Blanco remarked in an interview with Tania Costa for Cibercuba during the United States' Independence Day celebrations.
According to the diplomat and analyst, while Venezuela progresses through its transition, there are simultaneous movements toward political change in Cuba. "I believe progress continues to be made to achieve the visible arrival of a democratic transition in Venezuela, which will be accompanied by a parallel political transition in Cuba," he stated.
Distinct Challenges in Cuba and Venezuela
Viera-Blanco made a clear distinction between the two nations' situations. Despite the repression in Venezuela, an opposition with visible leadership has endured. "Today, we have the leadership of María Corina Machado and the leadership of a civil society that has given everything—blood, sweat, and tears," he explained.
Cuba, however, presents a far more challenging environment. "Cuba has experienced much more political violence. There has been a complete dismantling of all rights. The state is designed as a far more aggressive apparatus," the former ambassador described.
This systematic brutality has had a direct impact: repression has made it nearly impossible for a minimal organized opposition to emerge on the island, complicating the feasibility of a short-term transition.
Voices of Resilience and Hope
Nevertheless, Viera-Blanco warned that the absence of visible structure does not mean a lack of will. "Many Cuban voices abroad are raising their voices, and many are still taking risks in Cuba," he noted.
To illustrate this latent energy, he pointed to the "Patria y Vida" movement as evidence that the desire for freedom remains strong among Cubans. "It's not about 'Patria y Vida' for deodorant or toothpaste; it's 'Patria y Vida' for freedom. And that's deeply rooted in Cuba's heart," he asserted.
Viera-Blanco likened this process to the birth of a child: when democracy is ready to emerge, "what seemed non-existent will suddenly surface."
A Message to the White House
The ex-ambassador concluded with a direct message to the White House: the silence imposed on Cubans by the regime should not be underestimated by those in Pennsylvania Avenue. "The fact that they are kept silent should not lead Pennsylvania Avenue to underestimate them. There is a significant actor there," he warned, referring to the Cuban citizenry and diaspora as forces Washington should not overlook.
The interview comes at a time of intense pressure on the Cuban regime. After Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, 2026, Cuba lost its main political ally and oil supplier, worsening an already devastating energy and humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has tightened sanctions, and the president has publicly stated that "Cuba is next" on Washington's agenda.
Understanding Trump's Silence on Cuba
Why is Trump's silence on Cuba significant?
According to Orlando Viera-Blanco, Trump's silence should not be seen as inaction. It may indicate strategic patience or preparation for future moves concerning Cuba.
How does the situation in Cuba differ from Venezuela?
Cuba faces a more structurally difficult environment due to deeper political violence and a more aggressive state apparatus, making it harder for an organized opposition to emerge.
What role do Cuban voices abroad play?
Cuban expatriates and those within the country who take risks are critical in voicing opposition and keeping the desire for freedom alive, as evidenced by movements like "Patria y Vida."