Cuban musician Manolín, known as El Médico de la Salsa, expressed in an interview with CiberCuba on Tuesday that the United States bears historical responsibility for the events that have unfolded in Cuba over the past seven decades. He argues that the Cuban regime has consistently used Washington as a scapegoat to justify ongoing repression and poverty.
"There's a government and a dictatorship obliterating the Cuban people in the name of the United States," Manolín stated. "They claim the misery is because of the U.S., that there's no democracy in Cuba because of the U.S., and that they can't allow us freedom of speech because of the U.S."
According to Manolín, this narrative has psychologically paralyzed the Cuban population for many years. He explained, "If the U.S. does nothing just 90 miles away, what can we do? We are unarmed." Rather than being an asset, the proximity has acted as a hindrance: "If we were further from the U.S., the dictatorship might not exist. But being so close has harmed us."
The singer did not mince words when pointing out what he sees as Washington's implicit complicity: "The United States, by remaining silent, is complicit in the dictatorship."
While Manolín has been a staunch critic of President Donald Trump, he admitted a shift in his view of the current administration. "One day, I realized that for the first time, a U.S. president was truly committed to Cuba's freedom," he remarked, also highlighting the role of Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, as Secretary of State.
From this perspective, the musician posed a binary choice to Washington: "Either lift the embargo to eliminate the excuse or take down the dictatorship. And if it has taken you this long, then dismantle it directly now."
"The United States has the responsibility to help us end the dictatorship. It's a serious responsibility," he insisted.
This stance marks a significant shift in Manolín's views. Historically critical of the Cuban government, he had always left room for the regime to reform in his public statements. After spending five years in Cuba following 20 years in exile, he has lost hope in internal change and now openly supports external pressure.
Manolín permanently left the island in September 2024 and settled in Spain, where he has amplified his criticisms of the regime. In April 2026, he likened the dictatorship to a hostage situation, urging the Cuban people, "Do not save your executioner; it's time for freedom."
The international context strengthens Manolín's argument: in January 2026, Trump signed an executive order declaring Cuba an "extraordinary and unusual threat" and imposed tariffs on countries exporting oil to the island. That same month, the UN labeled the situation in Cuba as a humanitarian emergency, reporting 96,000 postponed surgeries and a million people without regular access to clean water.
"We must put an end to it now. It's a moral issue, it's a matter of saying enough is enough," concluded Manolín.
Understanding U.S. Influence in Cuba's Turmoil
What does Manolín accuse the U.S. of regarding Cuba?
Manolín accuses the U.S. of having historical responsibility for Cuba's situation, as the regime uses the U.S. as a justification for repression and poverty.
How does Manolín view the current U.S. administration's role in Cuban freedom?
Manolín believes that for the first time, a U.S. president is genuinely committed to Cuba's freedom, and he acknowledges the role of Marco Rubio in this effort.
Why does Manolín think proximity to the U.S. is a disadvantage for Cuba?
He argues that the close geographical distance has acted as a hindrance in overcoming the dictatorship, as it has allowed the regime to use the U.S. as a perpetual excuse.