The latest statement from U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at the Cuban regime, urging them to "make a deal before it's too late," has sparked a wave of reactions among Cubans both on and off the island.
From calls for dialogue to demands for direct intervention, the Cuban community is experiencing a mix of anticipation and conflicting emotions.
After CiberCuba News shared the president's statement, which came in the wake of Venezuela's complete halt of oil shipments to Cuba, thousands of comments flooded in within hours.
The majority of commenters celebrated Trump's stance, agreeing that the end of the Castro regime appears closer than ever. One reader remarked, “This guy has proven that he follows through on what he says,” while another asserted, “Now is the time for change.”
The overall tone among Cubans on social media ranged from hopeful to incredulous. “Cuba needs to embrace change so its people no longer suffer,” wrote one user. Others, however, expressed skepticism: “They never listen; they live in a glass bubble and don’t care about the real country.”
Many comments showed explicit support for Trump's message. “That's my president. Let’s end the 67-year nightmare. Cuba needs to be great again,” posted an exile in Miami.
While some applauded the toughening of the U.S. stance and urged “no negotiations with dictators,” others called for “strong measures,” drawing comparisons to the recent arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. “This is getting interesting; Trump delivers on his promises,” celebrated another commentator.
However, there were also moderate voices advocating for a peaceful, negotiated solution. “You don’t negotiate with communists, but neither with bombs. A transition without bloodshed is needed,” opined a user, reflecting the shared fear of many over potential military action.
“Wars only bring death and destruction; dialogue should be the path,” added another participant in the online debate.
A significant portion of netizens stressed the urgency for the regime itself to initiate change. “If they truly care about the people, now is the time to do it peacefully,” warned a user from Havana. Another wrote, “The Cuban people are tired, hopeless. If they don’t yield now, it will be catastrophic for them later.”
Among the most shared messages were demands for freedom, free elections, and the release of political prisoners. “It’s time to let the people be free,” insisted several readers. Others, with irony and resignation, noted that “the communists would rather see the people die than lose power.”
Calls for humanitarian intervention also echoed among Cubans. “You don’t negotiate with dictators; action is needed,” wrote one. “Things can’t get any worse for the people,” added another.
Many interpreted Trump's message as a serious warning, a prelude to what could be a forced transition scenario. “The deal will be for them to leave peacefully,” summarized one user.
Meanwhile, opposition figures and civil society members also responded to Trump's warning. José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), described the message as “a clear and necessary warning to the criminal regime.”
At the same time, political analyst Manuel Cuesta Morúa called for the deal to be “with the Cuban people and for the Cubans.” Speaking to Martí Noticias from the capital, journalist Boris González Arenas stated that “oppressed peoples require external help to free themselves.”
Simultaneously, intellectuals and analysts reminded that the Cuban regime’s situation is critical: without Venezuelan oil, with Russia focused on its war in Ukraine, China tired of unpaid debts, and a population exhausted and impoverished. In this context, Trump’s message was seen by many as the strongest indication yet that the Castro cycle is nearing its end.
In the meantime, amid hope and fear, thousands of Cubans wait. “They need to make a decision because Trump is no longer playing games,” wrote a user in the final minutes of the day. Another summed it up with a mix of hope and warning: “Something has to happen now. The Cuban people need a complete change. Thank you, Trump.”
Understanding Trump's Warning to the Cuban Regime
What did Donald Trump say to the Cuban regime?
Donald Trump urged the Cuban regime to "make a deal before it's too late," indicating a serious warning to initiate change.
How did Cubans react to Trump's message?
Reactions among Cubans were mixed, with many expressing hope and support for Trump's stance, while others voiced skepticism and concern over potential military action.
Why is the Cuban regime's situation considered critical?
The regime is in a vulnerable position due to the cessation of Venezuelan oil, Russia's focus on Ukraine, China's frustration over unpaid debts, and a population that is exhausted and impoverished.