The Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos F. de Cossío, has claimed that U.S. politics are experiencing a drastic shift, drawing parallels between President Donald Trump and the fascist governance of Adolf Hitler. "The new doctrine of U.S. foreign policy is: 'peace through strength.' Hitler also sought peace, a productive and prolific German state, free from 'undesirables,' unified and expanded. For that, war was merely a tool," Cossío expressed on the social platform X.
Trump assumed office on January 20th, marking the start of his second term. On his first day, he enacted several executive orders directly and indirectly impacting the Cuban regime. The most significant of these measures was the reinstatement of Cuba on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez quickly responded, criticizing Trump's decision and accusing him of perpetuating a "cruel economic war" against the Cuban people. "President Trump, in an act of arrogance and disregard for truth, has just reinstated the fraudulent designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. It is unsurprising. His goal is to continue strengthening the cruel economic war against Cuba for domination purposes," Díaz-Canel declared.
He further blamed the United States for the economic and migratory crises that have plagued the Caribbean nation since 2020. "The result of the extreme economic blockade measures imposed by Trump has been to cause shortages for our people and a significant increase in migratory flow to the U.S. This act of mockery and abuse confirms the discredit of the lists and the unilateral coercive mechanisms of the U.S. government," Díaz-Canel stated.
The White House explained that the revocation aligns with strategic interests of the Trump Administration, viewing the Cuban government as a threat due to its support of international terrorist activities. Being on this list entails economic sanctions, financial restrictions, and trade limitations for Cuba.
Impact of U.S.-Cuba Relations on Cuban Economy
How does being on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism affect Cuba?
Being on this list subjects Cuba to economic sanctions, financial restrictions, and trade limitations, which can severely impact its economy.
What was the Cuban government's response to Trump's policies?
The Cuban government criticized Trump's decision, accusing him of fostering a "cruel economic war" against Cuba and blaming the U.S. for the nation's economic and migratory crises.
What are the strategic reasons behind the Trump Administration's actions?
The Trump Administration believes that Cuba poses a threat by supporting international terrorist activities, justifying their actions as aligning with strategic U.S. interests.