Lara Trump recently enjoyed a traditional Cuban coffee with three Cuban-American representatives from Florida—María Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez—in Washington. This gathering was captured in a 21-second video shared on Facebook, where the four enthusiastically toasted with the words, "Viva Trump."
This moment occurred just two days following a landmark federal indictment by the Department of Justice against Raúl Castro and five Cuban military officials for the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft. Salazar referred to this as "a historic moment for Cuba."
In the video, Lara Trump humorously remarks, "When you're with three Cubans, what else can you do but have Cuban coffee?"
Discussion on Cuban Freedom
Congresswoman Salazar shared on social media that the meeting involved "a powerful conversation with Lara Trump, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez about this historic moment for Cuba, the exiled community we proudly represent, and why the fight for freedom on the island remains deeply personal for many families in our community."
The complete television appearance of the three lawmakers is set to air on Fox News this Saturday at 9 PM (Eastern Time) on the show "My View with Lara Trump."
Increased Pressure on Cuban Regime
This meeting comes amid heightened pressure from the Trump administration on the Cuban regime since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
Last Wednesday, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced charges against Raúl Castro at Miami's Freedom Tower—coinciding with Cuba's Independence Day—accusing him of conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens and four counts of homicide for the deaths of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
Salazar responded on the same day with a declaration that made headlines: "Today marks the beginning of the end for the Castro family."
Unified Legislative Efforts
The three congress members represent districts in South Florida with a significant Cuban-American population. Throughout 2026, they have worked as a coordinated legislative bloc, pushing the Treasury and Commerce Departments to revoke trade licenses with Cuba and close embargo loopholes.
Lara Trump's gesture of enjoying Cuban coffee has a precedent; in September 2020, she visited the Versailles restaurant in Miami for a Cuban coffee during Donald Trump's re-election campaign, accompanied by Cuban-American advisor Mercedes Schlapp.
In April, during a hearing before the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Salazar succinctly summarized the Cuban-American bloc's stance: "The communist regime in Cuba is on life support. Trump just needs to pull the plug."
Since January 2025, the administration has imposed over 240 sanctions against the Cuban regime, including those targeting GAESA—the military conglomerate controlling between 40% and 70% of the island's formal economy—announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7, with a deadline for foreign companies to cease operations by June 5.
Key Insights on Cuban Political Developments
What led to the recent federal indictment against Raúl Castro?
The indictment is linked to the 1996 incident where two Brothers to the Rescue planes were shot down, leading to charges against Raúl Castro and five Cuban military officials.
What is the significance of the Cuban coffee meeting?
The meeting underscores the solidarity and ongoing commitment of Cuban-American lawmakers and allies like Lara Trump to advocate for Cuban freedom and put pressure on the Cuban regime.
How has the Trump administration increased pressure on Cuba?
Since January 2025, the administration has enacted over 240 sanctions targeting key entities within the Cuban economy, aiming to weaken the regime's hold.