On Saturday, journalist Sam Wang from NTD hit the streets of Washington D.C. to gather public opinion about the ongoing crisis in Cuba and the potential downfall of communism in the Western Hemisphere. The responses revealed a widespread sense of hope for political change on the island.
"It's been terrible for the Cuban people. I'd love to see them have the chance to live a freer life," shared one interviewee.
Another individual connected communism to perceived threats within the United States: "No one wants communism. They're trying to infiltrate our schools and even our churches. We don't want communism in America."
A third participant expressed their viewpoint succinctly: "People here aren't learning the lesson between socialism and communism. It doesn't work."
Comparisons with Venezuela and Trump's Policies
Several interviewees drew parallels between Cuba’s situation and that of Venezuela, where they also see communism retreating, and voiced support for President Donald Trump's maximum pressure policy. "I am confident that President Trump will do what needs to be done," stated one respondent.
One citizen reminisced about Cuba's past before the dictatorship: "Cuba was basically integrated in the fifties and sixties. It was a nice country to visit. When Castro took power, it changed and became communist. But people there want democracy. I support Cuba having a democratic government."
Legal Actions Against Raúl Castro
The same interviewee mentioned recent news about plans to formally indict Raúl Castro, referring to reports that the U.S. Department of Justice is preparing federal charges against the former dictator for the downing of the Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four people. This indictment was to be announced on May 20 at Miami's Freedom Tower.
Citing Secretary of State Marco Rubio, one interviewee concluded: "Rubio eloquently said, I prefer our system over any other. It's not perfect. We have our issues and challenges, but I'd choose ours over communism or extreme socialism."
U.S.-Cuba Tensions and Energy Crisis
The NTD video emerges during one of the tensest periods between Washington and Havana in decades. The Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions on Cuba since January 2026, including an executive order on May 1 to penalize those responsible for repression, and has managed to cut Cuban fuel imports by 80-90%, intercepting at least seven tankers in international waters.
Amidst this backdrop is an unprecedented energy crisis. Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted last Wednesday that Cuba had exhausted all its diesel and fuel oil reserves: "We have absolutely nothing." Blackouts in Havana have exceeded 20-22 hours daily.
Last Thursday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana for a high-level diplomatic meeting with Cuban officials, marking one of the most significant contacts between the two countries in years. Meanwhile, Trump and Rubio are reportedly seeking, according to the New York Times, to end communist control in Cuba without causing a total collapse of the country.
In February 2026, María Corina Machado predicted at the Munich Security Conference what many of these citizens seem to sense: "When we dismantle the regime in Venezuela, Cuba will be next."
Understanding the Impact of Communism's Potential End in Cuba
What is the general sentiment among Americans regarding Cuba's political situation?
Many Americans express hope for change, desiring a freer life for the Cuban people and advocating for democracy over communism.
How is the situation in Cuba compared to Venezuela?
Interviewees often compare Cuba with Venezuela, seeing communism as retreating in both countries, and support Trump's policies aimed at exerting pressure on these regimes.
What actions has the Trump administration taken against Cuba?
The Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions, signed an executive order targeting repression, and significantly cut Cuba's fuel imports.