Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has openly challenged U.S. President Donald Trump following Trump's ultimatum to the Cuban regime delivered this past Sunday.
"What has always irked the U.S. about #Cuba is our sovereign resolve to be free and independent, our unyielding resilience against every suffocating measure, and above all, our profound conviction of being an eternal Baraguá," Marrero stated on social media platform X.
He further added, "In the face of threats, we respond like Maceo: 'Whoever tries to seize #Cuba will only reap the dust of its blood-soaked soil, if they do not perish in the struggle.'"
Similarly, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel reacted on Sunday to Trump's verbal and political offensive launched from Washington. His message, disseminated on social media, comes amid an unprecedented regional tension that has left the Cuban regime without its main external support, facing a direct threat of total isolation.
"Those who turn everything into a business, even human lives, lack the moral standing to point fingers at Cuba," the visibly irritated Cuban leader wrote.
In his statement, Díaz-Canel accused the United States of acting out of "rage" over the Cuban people's decision to uphold their political model, once again blaming the embargo for the country's hardships. His message concluded with a warning that "no one dictates what we do." He also emphasized that Cuba "does not threaten, it prepares" and is ready to defend itself "to the last drop of blood."
The responses from Marrero and Díaz-Canel came just hours after Trump's unprecedented ultimatum to the Havana regime. From his Truth Social account, Trump declared the final cessation of oil and money that Cuba received for years from Venezuela in exchange for "security services" to the Chávez administration. "There will be no more oil or money for Cuba. Nothing!" Trump asserted, advising Havana to "make a deal before it’s too late."
The message had an immediate impact, not only due to its threatening tone but also because of the surrounding context. This follows the recent capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro after a U.S. military operation in Caracas and confirmation that dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers died during the offensive.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denied that Cuba ever charged for security services. Nevertheless, the evident nervousness persists.
Díaz-Canel's reaction also coincided with symbolic gestures that have further ignited social media. Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself smoking a cigar on a street in Havana, surrounded by Cuban flags and classic cars.
Understanding the U.S.-Cuba Tensions
What was the ultimatum from Trump to Cuba?
Trump's ultimatum to Cuba involved the cessation of oil and financial support that Cuba had been receiving from Venezuela, urging Havana to negotiate before the opportunity expired.
How did Cuban officials respond to Trump's ultimatum?
Cuban officials, including Manuel Marrero and Miguel Díaz-Canel, responded defiantly, emphasizing Cuba's sovereignty and their readiness to defend their nation.
What impact did Trump's message have on Cuba?
Trump's message created immediate tension due to its aggressive stance and timing, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the loss of military personnel.