Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola has expressed his gratitude for being invited to attend the inauguration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. on January 20th. Otaola described this invitation on his social media as a "treasured trophy" that signifies recognition of his efforts and credibility.
"Being invited to the inauguration of the 47th president is an honor I will always cherish as a valuable trophy. It validates the work and credibility we have achieved. Thank you all for your support!" expressed the host on his digital platforms.
Joining Otaola in receiving an invitation is political analyst Manuel Milanés, who also announced he was officially invited to Trump's inauguration ceremony. The participation of the Cuban immigrant community at the event highlights the prominent role that the island plays in the new administration's concerns, with several Cuban Americans positioned in high-level roles, notably Marco Rubio as the future Secretary of State.
This event could serve as a backdrop for conveying a message of unity among the Cuban community in the United States, considering that several of its most visible figures have experienced controversies and rivalries, marked by power struggles and public criticisms.
Previously, individuals like Otaola and Milanés have aired their disagreements regarding their roles in the fight for democracy in Cuba, evident through their public statements and social media appearances.
While some sectors celebrate these invitations as a sign of support for the Cuban cause, others view them as political strategies that may not necessarily lead to tangible changes for the situation on the island.
In December 2023, the Cuban regime labeled several exiled figures as "terrorists" or "destabilizing agents" due to their active opposition to the dictatorship. Among those named were Alexander Otaola Casal, Eliecer Ávila Cecilia, Liudmila Santiesteban Cruz (Liu Santiesteban), Manuel Milanés Pizonero, Alain Lambert Sánchez (Cuban Paparazzi), Jorge Ramón Batista Calero (Ultrack), and Eduardo Arias León.
The Trump Administration's Priorities According to Otaola
Recently, Otaola sparked another controversy by outlining which Cubans he believes should be deported to Cuba without hesitation under the new Trump Administration. “Immigrants who did not come for political reasons, those with criminal records, those who declare themselves communists, and those whose only aim is to open a business in Cuba and send a car there should be deported,” he suggested.
Otaola emphasized that these individuals should be sent "back," as they do not qualify for any immigration status and should be boarded on ships or planes back to Cuba. “Moreover, this should be done without seeking permission from the Cuban dictatorship, which is another major mistake the United States is making,” added the former mayoral candidate.
He acknowledged that while there are "agreements" between the two countries, Cuba should not be treated as a normal country because “Cuba is not a normal country.” He accused the Communist Party of Cuba of using migration flows as a political pressure tool.
The outspoken presenter stated that the U.S. government “should stop asking questions, fill the mother ship, set sail, arrive at the shores, disembark the crowd and tell them: ‘Get up, you were born here’.”
Otaola noted that anyone who doesn’t want to be on that list must stop being an economic immigrant. "An economic immigrant is anyone who came here to get a phone, a car, a lifestyle, and did not come because communism bothers them, or because they felt limited and oppressed in their homeland," he defined.
He did not exclude Cubans with I-220A status, particularly those who said at Versailles: "We do not talk about politics." “All those people in the first shipment,” said the influencer, who took the opportunity to suggest that all deportees should be allowed to take their "little things," including a generator and a solar panel to withstand the island’s blackouts.
"I think it would be a good thing for the Trump administration to do, and I think they will, although maybe not in this way," he added, concluding that “it would be nice.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Otaola and Trump's Inauguration
Why was Alexander Otaola invited to Trump's inauguration?
Alexander Otaola was invited to Trump's inauguration as a recognition of his work and credibility, particularly in relation to his influence within the Cuban community against the regime in Cuba.
What is the significance of Cuban Americans attending Trump's inauguration?
The attendance of Cuban Americans at Trump's inauguration underscores the importance of Cuban issues to the new administration, which has several Cuban Americans in key positions, including Marco Rubio as prospective Secretary of State.
What are Otaola's views on Cuban deportations under the Trump administration?
Otaola believes that Cubans who did not immigrate for political reasons, those with criminal records, and self-declared communists should be deported back to Cuba without seeking permission from the Cuban government.