Mike Hammer, the head of the United States diplomatic mission in Cuba, met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House this past Friday. The discussion focused on the political and economic situation in Cuba, a topic of increasing concern as pressures mount on the Havana regime.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana confirmed the meeting through its official account on X (@USEmbCuba), emphasizing the U.S. government's support for the Cuban people, particularly in light of the recent actions in Venezuela.
"Our Chief of Mission, Mike Hammer, met today with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at his White House office to discuss the situation in Cuba and reaffirm our strong support for everyday Cubans," the embassy announced.
Accompanying this announcement was a photograph of the two officials smiling and making the freedom symbol used by Cuban activists and opposition members with their hands.
This gesture quickly gained traction on social media, where it was interpreted as a political endorsement of the island's dissidents.
Strengthening U.S. Policy Coordination on Cuba
The meeting signifies a new phase in U.S. policy coordination concerning Cuba, with a focus on increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on Miguel Díaz-Canel's government and supporting civil society.
According to reports, Secretary Rubio emphasized the need to "maintain international pressure until the Cuban people can live freely and without fear."
Under the Trump administration, where Marco Rubio plays a key diplomatic role, the U.S. has maintained a tough stance against the Cuban government. This includes intensifying financial sanctions and political isolation following the breakdown of the Caracas-Havana axis, weakened by the fall of Nicolás Maduro and the collapse of Venezuelan oil supplies to the island.
Understanding the U.S. Strategy on Cuba
What was the purpose of Mike Hammer's meeting with Marco Rubio?
The meeting aimed to discuss the political and economic situation in Cuba, focusing on increasing pressure on the Havana regime and supporting the Cuban civil society.
How has the U.S. government shown support for the Cuban people?
The U.S. government has expressed strong support through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the need for freedom and security for the Cuban people, and by increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on the Cuban government.
What impact has the U.S. policy had on the Cuba-Venezuela relationship?
U.S. policy has contributed to the breakdown of the Caracas-Havana axis, particularly affecting the supply of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, thus weakening the Cuban government's position.