Cuban writer Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo has issued a pointed challenge to President Donald Trump concerning a potential visit to Havana before his term concludes. "Outdo Obama for real, Mr. Donald Trump," he declared.
This challenge came as a response to comments by KT McFarland, former Deputy National Security Advisor during Trump's first term, who suggested on Fox Business that "President Trump is going to Havana before his term ends," describing it as an almost certain event and a triumphant return to a Cuba poised for change. However, the White House has yet to officially announce any such plans.
Reflecting on Obama's Visit
In an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba, Pardo Lazo acknowledged that Obama's visit to Cuba in March 2016 was a political spectacle but stressed that it did not bring about any substantive change. "Obama went to Cuba, and his visit was spectacular in terms of media, politics, television, everything, popular appeal. It was spectacular," he said. Yet, he added emphatically, "Obama left and left us with Castroism. Obama left, and we have what we have now: COVID, Díaz-Canel, a sham constitution, and a fleeing populace."
As Pardo Lazo promotes his book "Olvidos y Obituarios," he admitted that he was "very optimistic" about the Trump Administration at the start of 2026, but his hopes have since waned.
Advocating for American Interests
Pardo Lazo was clear about the priorities Trump should uphold. "I tell President 45-47, Mr. Donald Trump: implement policies and timelines that defend the interests of your own country, which is not Cuba; that must be understood."
The writer's most direct warning was aimed at the legacy of Marco Rubio, a central figure in Washington's policy towards Havana, whose political career has been deeply intertwined with anti-Castro sentiment. "Be cautious because time is passing, and Marco Rubio's political legacy is at risk if we are left with a dilapidated Cuba but with its political power intact and fully governable by that totalitarian power."
An Ironic Warning
In a sarcastic tone, Pardo Lazo warned that if Trump's potential visit mirrors the outcome of Obama's—leaving Castroism unscathed—he might be dubbed "Donald Hussein Trump": "With all due respect and affection, because he left us the same legacy as Barack Obama."
He highlighted the danger of both presidents, one Republican and one Democrat, ultimately sharing the same historical failure concerning Cuba: "Don't become the point where the distinguished Republican and the distinguished Democrat converge in futility."
Pardo Lazo concluded that without tangible democratic changes, there would be a need to support another Republican presidency or even a Democratic administration that could, through different means, help catalyze genuine transformation on the island. "We'll need to support another Republican presidency to help us Cubans catalyze democratic changes, or a Democratic administration."
The crux of Pardo Lazo's message is a demand for concrete results, not symbolic gestures: any engagement Trump has with Cuba must lead to real changes; otherwise, it will merely echo the legacy he has criticized so heavily.
Understanding the Political Implications of Trump's Potential Visit to Cuba
Why does Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo challenge Trump to visit Cuba?
Pardo Lazo challenges Trump to visit Cuba to achieve real political change, unlike Obama's visit, which he views as merely symbolic with no substantial impact on Castroism.
What was the impact of Obama's visit to Cuba according to Pardo Lazo?
According to Pardo Lazo, Obama's visit was a media spectacle that did not result in significant changes, leaving behind a Cuba still under the grip of Castroism.
What does Pardo Lazo suggest Trump should focus on in his Cuba policy?
Pardo Lazo suggests that Trump should focus on policies that serve the interests of the United States, ensuring any engagement with Cuba leads to tangible political changes.