Cuban musician Descemer Bueno shared his insights on Tuesday with CiberCuba, suggesting that Donald Trump's and Marco Rubio's policies towards Cuba are part of a carefully crafted plan. Bueno believes their seemingly mixed signals are not signs of indecision but rather a strategic maneuver.
The catalyst for Bueno's comments was Trump's remark at the White House on Monday: "Maybe we'll go through Cuba after we're done with Iran." This statement stirred up debate about whether Washington intends to take action against the Cuban regime.
Bueno dismissed the negative interpretations of Trump's statement. "People lose hope, but I think this is somewhat the way the President of the United States and Marco Rubio operate," he expressed.
He perceives this ambiguity as a deliberate tactic: "I believe they need to keep things a bit unclear to ensure their plans unfold as intended."
Bueno's conclusion was unequivocal: "I think this is entirely planned, meticulously studied, and it will be a swift and decisive blow."
Trump's Business Tactics and Historical Perspectives
Bueno compared Trump's approach to that of a shrewd businessman who keeps his strategies hidden until the final moment. He invoked José Martí to bolster his point: "Many things must remain silent to be accomplished."
He also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing him as someone who stands by his people and principles, calling him "extraordinary and formidable." Bueno recounted meeting Rubio personally in a television studio, noting his lack of entourage.
Drawing Parallels with Venezuela
The musician drew a parallel with Venezuela, recalling the disbelief among Venezuelans that Nicolás Maduro would fall, until the DEA apprehended him in Caracas on January 3, 2026, during the operation known as Absolute Determination. "That changed their lives," Bueno noted, hinting that a similar event could transpire in Cuba.
Regarding the comments from Mike Hammer, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, who has consistently predicted a historic change in Cuba during 2026, Bueno was unequivocal: "What Mike Hammer says is gospel to me."
Cuban Regime's Presence in Miami
The artist also criticized the quiet infiltration of the Cuban regime in Miami. "When you walk through Coral Gables, there are several businesses on each block sending money to Cuba. In Hialeah, it's multiplied," he asserted.
Bueno acknowledged the paradox of supporting Trump while thousands of Cubans are deported, including those with the I-220A form and no criminal records. However, he argued that historically, only Republican administrations have taken firm actions against dictatorships. "No Democratic government has done anything for Cuba, Venezuela, or Nicaragua," he stated.
The musician, co-writer of "Patria y Vida"—the anthem of 11J that won two Latin Grammys in 2021—has faced censorship on Cuban radio and television since July 2020 after calling the regime "criminals and racists," and was evicted from his farm in Alquízar in November of that year.
Despite the political repercussions, which have led to a decline in concert attendance in Spain and the loss of friendships, Bueno remains steadfast in his convictions: "I'm not one to be on the fence, I'd rather declare who I am, and if I have to stop performing and wait for Cuba to be free, I will."
FAQs about Descemer Bueno's Views on Trump's Cuba Strategy
What did Descemer Bueno say about Trump's statement on Cuba?
Descemer Bueno interpreted Trump's statement about "going through Cuba" after Iran as a strategic, calculated maneuver rather than indecision.
How does Bueno view Marco Rubio's role in U.S. policy towards Cuba?
Bueno praised Marco Rubio as a principled leader who remains committed to his people and ideas, calling him extraordinary and formidable.
What parallels did Descemer Bueno draw between Venezuela and Cuba?
Bueno compared the disbelief over Maduro's fall in Venezuela with potential future changes in Cuba, suggesting a similar unexpected shift could occur.