Government sources have clarified to the independent outlet CaféFuerte that the Trump administration has not issued any statement announcing a new package of sanctions against the Cuban government. "Don't fall for rumors. Always verify information using official channels from the United States government," a senior official told journalist Wilfredo Cancio, director of CaféFuerte, on Wednesday night. This statement was in response to a fake document circulating on social media that contained false information about supposed measures to intensify the economic and financial blockade against Cuba.
The counterfeit document, which went viral Wednesday morning, sparked hundreds of comments on social media both within Cuba and among the Cuban community in Miami. It was even shared by digital platforms specializing in Cuban affairs. The fraudulent statement falsely claimed to be from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and listed five actions allegedly set to take effect on January 30.
Among the fictional actions were the suspension of remittances and direct commercial flights to Cuba, travel restrictions for Cuban residents in the United States, and the deportation of Cuban citizens with deportation orders or connections to the Cuban regime's repressive and ideological apparatus. "These measures reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the United States to the Cuban people in their fight against tyranny," the fake document asserted, attributing intentions to the Trump administration without any real basis.
Investigating the Source of Misinformation
CaféFuerte's investigation revealed that the document lacked technical language and the support of key entities like the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Transportation, which must be involved in any decision of this nature. The dissemination of the document caused a significant polarization of opinions regarding Trump's policy toward Cuba and raised concerns about the responsibility of sharing unverified information.
In this regard, Cancio emphasized the importance of citizens always verifying the authenticity of information before sharing it. "The spread of fake news only contributes to misinformation and chaos," he stated. Although the strategy of hardening sanctions against Cuba aligns with Trump's campaign promises, no new official measures have been announced beyond the recent executive orders reversing previous relaxations by the Biden administration.
Official Sources and Verification
U.S. authorities insist that any official information will be published exclusively through federal government channels. To provide complete context on the refutation, CiberCuba reproduced the message that went viral on social media:
Breaking News: United States Announces New Measures to Accelerate the End of the Cuban Dictatorship
Starting January 30, 2025, at 12:00 AM Eastern Time, the following measures will be implemented:
1. Suspension of Remittance Transfers to Cuba: The U.S. government will halt all remittance transfers to Cuba. These funds have historically been exploited by the regime to sustain its repressive apparatus and enrich its elite. The United States cannot continue indirectly financing a system that oppresses its own people.
2. Suspension of Direct Commercial Flights to Cuba: All direct commercial flights from U.S. territory to any airport in Cuba will be suspended. This measure aims to disrupt the regime's access to foreign currency and limit its ability to economically benefit from the flow of travelers between the two countries.
3. Restrictions for Exiled Cubans Returning to Cuba: Exiled Cubans who have received political asylum or humanitarian parole in the United States will not be allowed to return to U.S. territory if they choose to travel back to Cuba. The U.S. government maintains that those who fled as political refugees have no justification to return to the regime from which they sought protection.
4. Deportation of Cubans with Deportation Orders or Criminal Convictions: All Cuban citizens in the United States with active deportation orders or criminal convictions will be deported to Cuba. The United States will not be a refuge for those who violate its laws.
5. Deportation of Individuals Linked to the Cuban Regime: All Cuban citizens found in U.S. territory proven to have links with the Cuban regime will be deported. This includes those who have been part of military or paramilitary organizations, held significant government positions, or were members of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC).
These measures reaffirm the United States' unwavering commitment to the Cuban people in their fight against tyranny. The U.S. government believes these actions will disrupt the financial and operational lines of the regime while empowering the Cuban people to reclaim their rights and freedoms. The Department of Homeland Security will oversee the implementation of these policies to ensure their compliance and effectiveness.
Understanding False Claims of Sanctions on Cuba
What actions did the fake document claim would be implemented against Cuba?
The false document claimed there would be a suspension of remittances and direct flights to Cuba, travel restrictions for Cuban residents in the U.S., and deportations of Cubans with deportation orders or connections to the Cuban regime.
How did the fake document affect public opinion?
The fake document led to significant polarization of opinions on Trump's policy toward Cuba and raised issues regarding the sharing of unverified information.
What was the response from U.S. authorities regarding the fake document?
U.S. authorities stated that any official information would only be released through federal government channels, urging people to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it.