Cuban influencer Alex Otaola has claimed that President Donald Trump is planning to implement a new strategy regarding U.S. policy towards both Venezuela and Cuba. In a post on the social media platform X, Otaola criticized the Venezuelan community's inaction during the election period and warned that "the approach will be different" when it comes to Cuba. He believes the Cuban exile community played a significant role in Trump's electoral success.
"Venezuelans did not secure Trump's victory, despite receiving support during his first term and failing to act. Cuba poses a direct threat to the United States. He will act differently. Likewise, Mauricio Claver-Carone and Marcos Rubio are involved because change is imminent for Cuba," Otaola stated on X.
Otaola's remarks were in response to journalist Mario J. Pentón, who shared his thoughts on Trump's current stance regarding Venezuela on X. Pentón questioned whether Trump's policies toward Cuba might follow the same trajectory.
Pentón began his message by referencing statements from Richard Grenell, Trump's special envoy for Caracas negotiations in January. Grenell recently stated that "Donald Trump does not want a regime change in Venezuela."
Pentón expressed his disapproval, saying, "One sends narco-nephews and lifts sanctions, another says they'll remain as long as they serve the U.S. How shameful! I hope congressmen Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez have something to say."
Earlier in February, Pentón warned about the criminal nature of the Chavista regime and its ties to Havana. "Negotiating with them or turning a blind eye in exchange for oil or deportations is and will always be a disgrace for any U.S. government, whether Republican or Democrat," he stated.
Grenell's Trip to Venezuela
Grenell visited Venezuela in late January as a representative of Trump. In a recent interview on "American Thought Leaders" with The Epoch Times, he reiterated that the Republican president is not seeking to overthrow Nicolás Maduro's regime.
"Look, we are very clear about the Venezuelan government and Maduro, but Donald Trump is someone who does not want to make changes in the regime," Grenell emphasized. These comments have sparked an intense debate on social media.
The White House denied that Grenell's visit to Venezuela signified official recognition of Maduro as the legitimate leader, though they did not disclose the specifics of any agreements reached.
Discussions surrounding Trump's policies toward Venezuela and Cuba continue to provoke reactions. Meanwhile, the Cuban exile community eagerly anticipates potential actions from the Republican administration concerning the island's regime, amidst a backdrop of severe economic and social crises suffocating the Cuban populace.
Understanding Trump's Approach to Cuba and Venezuela
What strategy does Otaola believe Trump will adopt for Cuba?
Otaola suggests that Trump's approach to Cuba will differ from his strategy with Venezuela, as he views Cuba as a direct threat to the United States and credits the Cuban exile community for aiding Trump's victory.
Why did Mario J. Pentón criticize Trump's policies?
Pentón criticized Trump's policies for appearing inconsistent, especially regarding the lifting of sanctions and lack of a clear stance against the regimes in Venezuela and Cuba, which he finds shameful.