Mariela Castro Espín, who leads the National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX) and is the daughter of Raúl Castro, has launched a scathing attack on former President Donald Trump, labeling him an "ignorant pedophile." She further accused the U.S. government of recruiting mercenaries from the Cuban LGBT activist community to fabricate a fake opposition.
In a YouTube video lasting over 44 minutes, recorded during the visit of the Nuestra América Convoy to CENESEX in March 2026, Castro directly criticized the American president, addressing what she termed "political fundamentalism" driven from Washington.
"Their president, who is a pedophile and should have been condemned long ago, dares to discredit the work of feminists and the fair fight for LGBT rights," she remarked.
Castro didn't hold back, calling Trump "profoundly ignorant, knowing nothing about politics or human rights," and accused him of adopting any nonsense he hears, shifting his narrative every few minutes.
These comments were made in the presence of leftist activists from over 30 nations who had gathered in Havana from March 18 to 24 as part of this international convoy, organized by Progressive International, where Castro serves on the Advisory Council.
Accusations Against Independent LGBT Activism
The most controversial part of her speech was the direct accusation against independent LGBT activism in Cuba. Castro claimed this group was part of a U.S.-funded operation: "They've come here, recruiting people to pose as opposition, but it's a fake, mercenary-for-hire opposition," she asserted.
With this statement, Castro dismissed LGBT activists operating outside CENESEX as paid agents of the U.S. government aiming to destabilize the Cuban revolution, rather than citizens with legitimate concerns.
This narrative is frequently used by the Cuban regime to undermine opposition and independent activism, and Castro extended it to other sectors: "In all sectors with certain advancements, they seek projects to recruit mercenaries, for example, with the LGBT activism we have developed here."
The Humanitarian Side of the Convoy
The Nuestra América Convoy, which brought together between 500 and 650 participants under the slogan "Cuba is not alone," delivered over 20 tons of humanitarian aid to the island. President Díaz-Canel hosted an event with the convoy's members at Havana's Convention Palace, expressing gratitude for their self-funded travel expenses.
However, the initiative faced internal criticism. Cuban artist Ulises Toirac questioned the disconnect between foreign visitors staying in hotels and the actual conditions experienced by the Cuban populace.
Mariela Castro's Controversial Statements and U.S.-Cuba Relations
What did Mariela Castro call Donald Trump?
Mariela Castro referred to Donald Trump as an "ignorant pedophile" in her criticism of his actions and policies.
What accusations did Castro make about the U.S. and Cuban LGBT activists?
Castro accused the U.S. of recruiting mercenaries from the Cuban LGBT community to create a fictitious opposition against the Cuban government.
What was the purpose of the Nuestra América Convoy?
The convoy aimed to show solidarity with Cuba by delivering over 20 tons of humanitarian aid, organized by Progressive International.