Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar declared on Monday that the Trump administration is employing a strategy of gradual pressure on Cuba, akin to the one that, she claims, led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. She emphasized that Washington is allowing the Castro family time to step down peacefully, enabling a "bloodless" transition on the island.
In a video shared on her X account, featuring an excerpt from an interview with Univision's Al Punto, the congresswoman addressed questions about when political change might occur in Cuba, drawing parallels with the situation in Venezuela.
“Anyone who stops me says, ‘When is it Cuba’s turn?’ We’re in the same waiting period we experienced with Venezuela, and people asked, ‘When?’ And look, it happened,” she stated.
The Real Power Behind the Scenes
Salazar reiterated that the true power in Cuba does not rest with Miguel Díaz-Canel but lies within a small familial group led by Raúl Castro.
“They’re giving the Castro family, which is just a few individuals, time because they actually hold the power. They need to understand, to internalize that the game is over,” she declared.
She suggested that a negotiated transition would be the best outcome for both the rulers and the country, avoiding violent conflict.
“The best thing for them, the Cuban people, and the future of the island is for them to leave quietly, enjoying what they’ve taken. No problem, let them do it. What matters is a clean, bloodless transition,” she insisted.
A Familiar Strategy
Salazar mentioned that the policy directed by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio mirrors the approach used against the Venezuelan regime.
“We’re giving them time to understand until Trump decides it’s over, just like with Maduro. It’s the same pattern,” she affirmed.
Maduro was captured by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, during an operation greenlighted by Trump, following months of diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions.
Pressure Intensifies
Salazar’s comments coincide with an interview given by Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo" and Raúl Castro’s grandson, to USA Today, expressing willingness to negotiate directly with the Trump administration.
“If I’m appointed, I can negotiate with anyone chosen by the U.S. Government. Given the chance, certainly with Trump,” he stated, noting any potential agreement must, in his view, uphold the principles of the Cuban Revolution.
These statements emerge amid increasing U.S. pressure on Havana. On May 20, the U.S. Department of Justice filed federal charges against Raúl Castro for the downing of Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans. The indictment includes a recording where the order is given: “Shoot them down when they appear.” The charges carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
On the same day, Salazar announced from the Capitol, “Today marks the beginning of the end for the Castro family.”
Since January 2026, the Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions on Cuba, measures that Washington claims have cut the island’s energy imports by 80% to 90%. Concurrently, Cuba faces a severe economic and energy crisis, characterized by blackouts lasting up to 25 hours and an estimated GDP contraction of 6.5% this year.
Despite the uncertain scenario, Salazar remains confident that political change is imminent.
“I have no doubt that it will happen. The dictatorship will not last forever. Cuba will be free,” she concluded.
FAQs on the Future of Cuba's Political Landscape
What strategy does María Elvira Salazar suggest is being used on Cuba?
Salazar suggests that the Trump administration is using a gradual pressure strategy on Cuba similar to the one applied in Venezuela, aiming for a peaceful transition of power.
Who does Salazar indicate holds the real power in Cuba?
Salazar indicates that the true power in Cuba lies with a small family group led by Raúl Castro, not with the current president Miguel Díaz-Canel.
What are the consequences of the U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
The U.S. sanctions have allegedly reduced Cuba's energy imports by 80% to 90%, exacerbating the island's economic and energy crisis.
What is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro's stance on negotiations with the U.S.?
Rodríguez Castro expressed his willingness to negotiate directly with the Trump administration, provided any agreement respects the principles of the Cuban Revolution.