Cubadebate, the digital mouthpiece for the Cuban regime, recently sparked a storm of criticism after posting about the U.S. national debt on Facebook. Within less than a day, the post accumulated over a thousand comments from Cuban users urging the state-run media outlet to focus on the dire situation within their own country instead.
The post highlighted that the U.S. debt had exceeded the size of its economy for the first time since World War II, reaching $31.27 trillion as of March 31, compared to a GDP of $31.22 trillion. This represents 100.2% of the GDP, according to figures from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB).
Cubans reacted swiftly and decisively. "What about yours?" one of the earliest commentators questioned. "Doesn't Cuba's debt to the world surpass its GDP?" another added. "Show Cuba's for a comparison," demanded a third.
The outrage was not just about highlighting the contradiction but also about expressing the desperation of a populace enduring its worst economic crisis in decades. "Why would any Cuban care about the U.S. debt when so many here go to bed hungry?" one user wrote. "Focus on us, we are barely surviving," pleaded another.
Several critiques pointed out the fundamental difference between the situations. "The U.S. has debt but pays it. Cuba doesn't pay, which is why no one extends credit," summarized one user.
"At least in the U.S. there's food, and the power doesn't go out," another added, referencing the up to 25-hour blackouts plaguing the Island and a survey revealing that one in three families experiences hunger in Cuba.
Sarcasm was also prevalent. "Cubadebate should be called USAdebate," one person suggested. "It's laughable, worrying about the economy of the world's leading power while Cuba's is sinking like the Titanic," another mocked. "This is a joke," concluded a third.
Many demanded transparency regarding Cuba's debt, which independent estimates suggest is approximately 108.8% of its GDP, with chronic defaults to the Paris Club since 2019.
"They should also list Cuba's debts to Brazil, Russia, China, and the Paris Club," a user requested. "You talk about debts when Cuba owes nearly everyone," another pointed out.
The regime has amassed a debt of $1.5 billion with Mexico and over $3 billion with Argentina, plus outstanding obligations to Spain, Brazil, Russia, and China. The restructuring agreement signed with the Paris Club in January 2025 covers only about 16.2% of the total estimated debt.
This episode reflects Cubadebate's recurring pattern of criticizing the United States while ignoring Cuba's internal crisis. It's not the first time the state-run media blames the embargo for hunger in Cuba, triggering a similar reaction among internet users.
"And what about the moral debt of Cuban leaders to the people, who talks about that?" was one comment that encapsulated the general sentiment.
Understanding the Response to Cubadebate's Post on U.S. Debt
Why did Cubadebate's post about U.S. debt receive backlash?
The post received backlash because many Cubans felt that Cubadebate was ignoring the severe economic crisis in Cuba by focusing on the U.S. debt, which seems less relevant to their immediate struggles.
What is the current state of Cuba's debt?
Cuba's debt is estimated to be around 108.8% of its GDP, with significant amounts owed to countries like Mexico, Argentina, and members of the Paris Club, among others.
How does the Cuban public view the media's focus on U.S. economic issues?
Many in the Cuban public view the media's focus on U.S. economic issues as a diversion from the pressing economic challenges they face daily, leading to frustration and calls for more transparency about Cuba's own financial difficulties.