This Tuesday, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz took to his X account to share an article from Granma, the official publication of the Communist Party of Cuba. The piece, authored by former State Security agent Raúl Antonio Capote, highlights the regime's claim of having withstood the pressure exerted by the Trump administration.
The article, titled "An Executive Order that Violates International Law," argues that the recent measures announced against Cuba are not responses to any genuine threats to U.S. security. Instead, they stem from a persistent political model that Washington has failed to undermine through coercion.
Capote claims that a thorough analysis of the Executive Order reveals its false rhetoric, devoid of evidence, while contrasting it with Cuba's truth, which he asserts is supported by international law.
The Role of a Double Agent
The choice of Capote as the article's author is deliberate. In 2011, he was publicly exposed as a double agent of the Ministry of Interior's counterintelligence, using aliases "Daniel" and "Pablo." His infiltration into independent libraries and dissident circles, on behalf of the regime, led to the imprisonment of several librarians and the confiscation of books. Since then, the regime has employed him as an "analytical" voice in Granma to criticize opponents and U.S. policies.
Contrasting Messages Amidst Economic Challenges
The article's publication coincided with a statement by Trump on Truth Social, where he claimed that "Cuba is asking for help" and hinted at potential talks, just before his departure to China. However, the regime's message of "resistance" starkly contrasts with the harsh realities on the ground. Cuba is grappling with power outages lasting up to 25 hours daily affecting over 55% of the country, alongside a projected GDP contraction of 7.2% by 2026, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Escalating Sanctions and Economic Strain
Since January 2026, the Trump administration has implemented over 240 sanctions against Cuba, significantly reducing the island's energy imports by 80 to 90%. On May 1st, Trump signed a new executive order introducing secondary sanctions on foreign banks dealing with sanctioned Cuban entities. Furthermore, on May 7th, Marco Rubio announced direct sanctions against GAESA, the military conglomerate controlling 40 to 70% of the Cuban economy, with illicit assets estimated between $18 billion and $20 billion in overseas accounts.
Refusal of Aid and Stalemate in Negotiations
In response, the Cuban regime has rejected a U.S. offer that included tens of millions in humanitarian aid, free access to Starlink for two years, and agricultural assistance in exchange for political reforms. They have also refused to discuss the release of political prisoners such as Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo. Díaz-Canel encapsulated the regime's stance with a phrase frequently used as a slogan: "Political prisoners are not on the negotiating table."
Understanding Cuba's Political and Economic Crisis
What has been the impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
The U.S. sanctions have significantly reduced Cuba's energy imports by 80 to 90%, contributing to severe power outages and economic strain. These measures are part of over 240 sanctions imposed since January 2026.
How has the Cuban regime responded to U.S. offers of aid?
The Cuban government has declined U.S. offers of humanitarian aid and other assistance that were contingent upon political reforms. They have also refused to negotiate the release of political prisoners.
Who is Raúl Antonio Capote and what role does he play?
Raúl Antonio Capote is a former State Security agent who was exposed as a double agent in 2011. He is used by the Cuban regime as an analytical voice in Granma to critique U.S. policies and opposition groups.