Colombian President Gustavo Petro has come to the defense of Cuba's regime, asserting that the nation deserves to be "applauded and supported" rather than invaded. This statement was made during a speech at the inauguration of the Arts Faculty Block A at the National University of Colombia in Bogotá, as a direct response to recent military threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The remarks, shared through teleSUR's social media channels, follow Trump's private dinner declaration in West Palm Beach, where he mentioned the possibility of the United States "taking over Cuba almost immediately" once operations in Iran concluded. He further suggested deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier near Cuban shores to coerce the regime's surrender.
Celebrating Cultural Contributions
Petro claimed that Cuba warrants recognition for its cultural innovations, stating, "If there is a cultural and artistic forefront in Latin America, it is called Cuba," as he addressed the university audience.
The Colombian leader also highlighted Cuba's COVID-19 vaccine development, subtly criticizing former President Iván Duque: "The only society in Latin America and the Caribbean capable of developing a vaccine when it was needed was Cuba... saving countless lives, starting with their own citizens."
He concluded by noting, "If a society, amidst the global crisis we faced, could promptly create an effective vaccine, that society should be recognized and supported rather than invaded."
Petro's Consistent Position on Cuba
Petro's speech is not an isolated instance. Last Sunday, he tweeted that "lifting the blockade on Cuba will lead to political changes" and warned that "those who want to invade Cuba will only ignite political violence across Latin America." Earlier in April, during an RTVE interview in Barcelona, he labeled the embargo as "genocide," describing it as "starving a nation." In January, he controversially stated that "living in Cuba is much better than in Miami," referring to the American city as a "capitalist glitter."
Contrasting Realities
Petro's praise starkly contrasts with the harsh realities faced by Cubans. The island is enduring power outages lasting up to 25 hours, severe food and medicine shortages, systematic political repression, and an unprecedented migration crisis, all direct results of 67 years under a communist dictatorship.
While Petro commends the Cuban regime, Trump's administration ramped up its pressure: since January 2026, over 240 new sanctions have been imposed, at least seven oil tankers intercepted, and Cuban energy imports reduced by 80% to 90%. Moreover, on May 1, a new executive order was signed, introducing secondary sanctions on foreign companies operating with Cuba.
The Cuban government responded defiantly. President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared, "No aggressor, no matter how powerful, will find surrender in Cuba," while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla asserted that the island "will not be intimidated."
Critics of Petro argue that his narrative overlooks the fact that the core cause of Cuba's crisis is not the U.S. embargo, but rather the totalitarian model imposed since 1959, and that his accolades for the regime are at odds with the daily suffering of the Cuban people.
Understanding the Cuban Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What did Gustavo Petro say about Cuba?
Gustavo Petro stated that Cuba should be supported and applauded for its achievements rather than being invaded, in response to Donald Trump's military threats.
What are some of the challenges currently faced by Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing severe power outages, food and medicine shortages, systematic political repression, and a major migration crisis.
How has the U.S. increased pressure on Cuba?
The U.S. has imposed over 240 new sanctions, intercepted oil tankers, reduced energy imports, and introduced secondary sanctions on companies dealing with Cuba.