The phrase "IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, MOVE TO CUBA," famously uttered by Javier Milei during a heated exchange with a businessman in July, has now found its way onto merchandise. On Wednesday, mugs displaying this slogan were being sold for 15,000 Argentine pesos (approximately 10 USD) at a libertarian summit concluded by the Argentine president.
During the program "Código Nación" on the LN+ channel, these mugs were showcased among other items available at the "Winds of Change: Advancing Freedom in Argentina and the Americas" summit, organized by the Fundación Libertad y Progreso.
In addition to books and items associated with the libertarian movement, attendees could purchase mugs featuring the phrase prominently in capital letters.
The Origins of the Controversial Statement
The statement dates back to July 17, when Milei was speaking at the 172nd anniversary of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange in front of over 500 business professionals. During his speech, a 70-year-old attendee challenged the president about fiscal deficits, leading to a viral exchange.
"I will complete this term, be re-elected, and serve another four years. And here's some more bad news: we're laying the groundwork for a hundred years of liberalism. So, if you don't like it, move to Cuba," Milei retorted, earning applause from the audience.
From Speech to Merchandise
In less than two months, Milei's response transitioned from a presidential speech to a slogan emblazoned on products sold at an international libertarian forum.
The use of Cuba as a counterpoint to Milei's political agenda frequently surfaces in his speeches. In August, during a Council of the Americas meeting in Buenos Aires, the president expressed confidence that Argentinians "will not want to return to the past and do not wish to become Cuba."
Two months earlier, in an interview with Cuban journalist Ismael Calá, Milei predicted that "Cuba will eventually collapse on its own," linking a potential downfall of the regime to changes in Venezuela and pressure from the Trump administration.
A Phrase with History
The expression "Move to Cuba" did not originate with Milei. In July 2022, during protests against the then-government of Alberto Fernández and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, demonstrators used the same slogan outside the Casa Rosada and in rallies across other Argentine cities.
Since taking office, Milei has maintained a particularly critical stance toward the Cuban regime. In October 2025, Argentina was one of only two Latin American countries to vote against a United Nations resolution calling for the end of the U.S. embargo on Cuba.
Now, one of the Argentine president's most provocative statements about the island has made another leap—from a debate with a businessman to a mug sold for 15,000 pesos at a libertarian summit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Javier Milei's "Move to Cuba" Catchphrase
What was the context in which Javier Milei said "If you don't like it, move to Cuba"?
Javier Milei made this statement during a speech at the 172nd anniversary of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, responding to a question about fiscal deficits from a 70-year-old attendee.
How did the phrase "Move to Cuba" become popular in Argentina?
The phrase gained popularity after Milei used it in a viral exchange, and it was later adopted during protests against the government of Alberto and Cristina Fernández.
What is the significance of the mugs featuring Milei's catchphrase?
The mugs signify the commercialization of Milei's statement, turning a political catchphrase into a symbol of the libertarian movement in Argentina.