Mike Hammer, the U.S. Embassy's chargé d'affaires in Havana, released a video message on Wednesday to the Cuban people in honor of their Independence Day. He expressed regret that the freedom and prosperity the Cuban patriots fought for are sadly missing on the island today.
In the 48-second video, delivered in Spanish and shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón, Hammer referenced José Martí and Antonio Maceo to highlight that Cuba's independence was born from the dream of a free nation, with freedom of speech and economic opportunities.
"On this May 20, I wanted to wish the Cuban people a happy Independence Day, but also to recognize that when the patriots fought for independence, Martí and Maceo envisioned a nation living in freedom, with freedom of expression and economic opportunity, which unfortunately is not the situation now," the diplomat stated.
Hammer also conveyed Washington's support for ordinary citizens: "On behalf of the United States, I want to sincerely tell you that President Trump's administration supports the everyday Cubans. We want you to have and achieve a better future. We will continue to work towards this goal, and we have full confidence it will happen."
This message is part of a coordinated diplomatic effort by the Trump administration on this symbolic date, marking the 124th anniversary of the Republic of Cuba's proclamation in 1902.
On the same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared his own video in Spanish directed at the Cuban populace, marking his first such address in this role. He directly blamed GAESA—the business conglomerate established by Raúl Castro, which controls 70% of Cuba's economy—for the island's hardships.
Rubio, representing Trump, proposed an offer of $100 million in food and medicine, on the condition that they be distributed by the Catholic Church or charitable organizations, not the state apparatus. He also proposed a "new relationship" between the United States and Cuba, directly with the Cuban people and not with GAESA.
Hammer assumed his role in Havana on November 14, 2024, and has maintained an unusually active diplomatic stance, traveling across various Cuban provinces and meeting with independent journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens. The regime responded with organized repudiation acts in Trinidad and Camagüey, to which Hammer firmly declared, "We will not be intimidated."
On May 15, Hammer welcomed CIA Director John Ratcliffe to the diplomatic mission in Havana, signaling the high level of attention Washington is paying to Cuba during this period.
The Trump administration has ramped up pressure on the Cuban regime in recent weeks: on May 1, it signed Executive Order 14404 with new sanctions, and on May 7, it announced direct sanctions against GAESA, setting a June 5 deadline for foreign companies linked to the conglomerate to sever ties or face consequences.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Relations in 2024
What message did Mike Hammer convey to the Cuban people?
Mike Hammer delivered a message of support from the U.S. government, expressing regret that the conditions of freedom and prosperity fought for by Cuban patriots are not present today.
What actions has the Trump administration taken against the Cuban regime recently?
The Trump administration signed Executive Order 14404 with new sanctions and announced direct sanctions against GAESA, demanding foreign companies cut ties with the conglomerate by June 5 or face repercussions.