Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar took to her X account this Friday, delivering a powerful statement declaring that the Cuban American community is no longer willing to wait for change—the time for a free Cuba is now.
“Cuban Americans are fed up with waiting for a free Cuba. The message is unmistakable: the time for change in Cuba is NOW, and decisive U.S. military action to end the dictatorship has overwhelming support,” Salazar asserted.
Representing South Florida, the congresswoman referenced a survey from the Miami Herald, indicating that 79% of Cubans and Cuban Americans in the area favor U.S. military intervention in Cuba.
Survey Insights and Community Sentiment
Conducted by Bendixen & Amandi International and The Tarrance Group from April 6 to 10 with 800 participants across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties, the poll shows that 36% support intervention solely to overthrow the communist government, while 38% endorse it for regime change combined with addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Salazar emphasized this consistent support: “We've always known this. President Trump knows it. The regime knows it too.”
The survey further highlights that 78% of respondents reject any negotiations with Havana that don’t lead to a democratic transition, and 73% blame the regime, not U.S. sanctions, for the island’s economic and humanitarian crisis.
Historical Context and Current Tensions
Fernand Amandi, president of Bendixen & Amandi, likened the current atmosphere to “1961 all over again,” signaling that the community is giving a “green light” for the Trump administration to take military action in Cuba to dismantle the regime.
Salazar left no room for ambiguity in response to these findings: “Freedom for Cuba is closer than ever, with or without resistance from the dictator Díaz-Canel and the Castro criminal family.”
Survey data also reveals that 69% of those polled strongly oppose any deal allowing the Cuban government to remain in power in exchange for economic reforms, and only 2% would invest in Cuba under the current system, reinforcing Salazar’s stance.
Her message followed Díaz-Canel's call to the Cuban people to prepare for a potential military conflict, recalling the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion.
“We do not want it, but it is our duty to prepare to avoid it, and if inevitable, to win it,” the leader declared.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has quietly increased its planning for potential military intervention in Cuba since January, as reported by USA Today, citing two anonymous sources. The Department of Defense confirmed that military forces “are ready to act if Trump orders.”
On Thursday, Salazar also led a hearing titled “Latin America After Maduro's Fall,” where she stated that Cubans have lost their fear of the regime after 65 years of Castro rule, with over 200 street protests recorded on the island in the past month.
Key Questions on U.S. Military Intervention in Cuba
What percentage of Cuban Americans support U.S. military intervention in Cuba?
According to a survey by the Miami Herald, 79% of Cuban Americans in South Florida support U.S. military intervention in Cuba.
How does the community view negotiations with the Cuban government?
The survey reveals that 78% of respondents oppose negotiations with Havana that do not lead to a democratic transition.
What is the current sentiment towards investing in Cuba?
Only 2% of survey participants would consider investing in Cuba under the current system, reflecting a strong opposition to the existing regime.