Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar sent a strong message to the Cuban regime on Monday via her X account, during a period of heightened tension between Washington and Havana, the likes of which have not been seen in recent years.
"If the Cuban regime thinks the Trump Administration is playing games, they need to think again," stated Salazar, who represents Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Direct Message to the Regime
Salazar was unequivocal in her warning: "They are not in a position to challenge President Trump. Their murderous regime is at the center of a clear strategy: a secure, prosperous hemisphere free from communism."
She also had a personal message for those who support the dictatorship from within: "To the oppressors and accomplices of the regime: when the Castro leadership flees, there will be no seat for you on that plane."
Critical Timing of the Ultimatum
This warning comes at a crucial moment. According to a report by USA Today, the Trump administration presented the regime with a secret ultimatum during a meeting in Havana on April 10 — marking the first U.S. government plane landing on the island since 2016 — demanding the release of high-profile political prisoners within two weeks.
The deadline, around April 24, is fast approaching, yet as of Monday, there have been no reports of any releases in response.
High-Profile Prisoners
Among the prisoners whose freedom is being demanded by Washington are Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, leader of the San Isidro Movement sentenced to five years and held in Guanajay, and Maykel Osorbo, co-author of the dissident anthem "Patria y Vida," sentenced to nine years and imprisoned in Pinar del Río.
Both were excluded from the pardon of 2,010 inmates announced by the regime on April 2 as a humanitarian gesture for Easter, which excluded prisoners convicted of "crimes against authority," a category under which most dissidents are classified.
Military Tensions Escalate
The military context adds another layer of complexity. The Pentagon has quietly accelerated the planning of military options against Cuba, with an MQ-4C Triton drone conducting surveillance missions off the island's southern coast last Tuesday.
When asked about the possibility of military action, Trump gave an ambiguous response: "It depends on what your definition of military action is."
Even Díaz-Canel acknowledged last Wednesday that a U.S. military attack is now a real possibility, as the regime declared 2026 as the "Year of Defense Preparation."
Salazar's Consistent Stance
Salazar had already set this tone last Thursday during a Congressional hearing, where she compared Díaz-Canel to Maduro and declared that the communist regime in Cuba is on life support, with "Trump only needing to disconnect it."
On Monday, a State Department spokesperson reaffirmed Washington's stance: "The Trump administration remains committed to the release of all political prisoners, including Alcántara and Osorbo."
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S.-Cuba Relations
What was the ultimatum given by the Trump administration to Cuba?
The Trump administration issued a secret ultimatum to the Cuban regime demanding the release of high-profile political prisoners within two weeks during a meeting held in Havana on April 10.
Who are Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is a leader of the San Isidro Movement sentenced to five years in prison, while Maykel Osorbo is the co-author of the dissident anthem "Patria y Vida" and is serving a nine-year sentence. Both are considered political prisoners by the U.S.
What is the current stance of the U.S. on Cuba?
The U.S. under the Trump administration remains committed to the release of all political prisoners in Cuba and is considering military options as tensions with the regime escalate.