On Thursday, Cuban exiles from various parts of the United States and Canada assembled at Pershing Park, just a block away from the White House in Washington D.C. They gathered to demand more decisive measures from Donald Trump’s administration against the Cuban government.
Dubbed "Do it Trump, do it," the demonstration was organized by influencer and host Alexander Otaola, drawing participants from Miami, Michigan, and other U.S. regions, as well as Canadian cities like Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, and Calgary.
Throughout the event, the mantra "Actions, not words" resonated among attendees. They voiced their support for Trump's pressure policies but urged for steps that would lead to political change in Cuba.
A Shift in Venue and Expectations
Initially planned for Lafayette Square in front of the White House, the event was moved to Pershing Park. Otaola explained during a live broadcast that the relocation was due to security directives from the Secret Service.
The gathering commenced around 10:30 a.m. and concluded at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Voices for Change Resonating from Exile
One of the key speakers, Rosa María Payá, founder of Cuba Decide, linked the exile movement to the anti-government protests that erupted in Cuba on July 11, 2021.
"Today, we defend the freedom of all Cubans, both inside and outside the island, united in the call to end dictatorship and change the system," Payá declared.
She urged Cubans abroad to support the demands for change emerging from within the country. "If this undeniable mobilization began in the summer of 2021, it's up to us to support and push it to success by 2026," she emphasized.
Direct Appeals to Trump for Action
According to Martí Noticias, actress and comedian Aleanys Jáuregui, known as "Cuqui La Mora," directed her message straight to Trump.
"We are here for Cuba, for Cubans, for freedom, urging Trump for action, not words. We want Trump's help to end communism, as communism in Cuba poses a threat to the national security of the United States," she remarked.
Maikel Rodríguez, "Maikito" from Los Pichy Boys, also linked the call for Cuba’s freedom to U.S. national security, citing Havana's ties with governments like Russia, China, and Iran.
"It's not just about the freedom of our people, which is obviously paramount, but also about this country's national security. We need to tackle Cuba. Don’t wait any longer," he urged.
Otaola expressed that the rally aimed to represent "every Cuban, both those on the island and those exiled by the regime."
"Cuba belongs to Cubans, not a family of criminals who have hijacked it," he stated.
Protest Aligns with New U.S. Restrictions on Cuba
The demonstration occurred just a day after new U.S. restrictions concerning Cuba took effect. As of September 30, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) implemented fresh financial and travel restrictions.
These measures ended the general license for travel to organize or attend professional meetings in Cuba, limited educational activities, and halted group exchanges known as people-to-people.
Additionally, changes were introduced to financial operations related to Cuba, expanding restrictions on transactions with entities on the Cuba Restricted List.
While participants appreciated the tightening of Washington's policy, many insisted that economic sanctions alone would not achieve the political change they seek for the island.
During the event, there was also significant support for Marco Rubio, a central figure in Trump's Cuba policy.
The Case of Anna Bensi Highlights Human Rights Concerns
The rally coincided with a trial held in Havana against content creator Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente (Anna Bensi) and her mother, Caridad Silvente, after filming and sharing an encounter with a Ministry of the Interior agent.
It was revealed that the Havana East Municipal People's Court found them guilty, imposing two years of restricted freedom on each.
The news circulated among protest participants, adding to the denunciations of Cuba's human rights and freedoms situation.
In the days leading up to the trial, various artists, activists, religious organizations, Cuban-American congressmen, and the U.S. Embassy in Havana had spoken out about Bensi’s case.
The timing of the verdict with the protest reinforced a recurring argument: external pressure must support those within Cuba facing repercussions for publicly opposing the political system.
"Never before, at least in my lifetime, have I witnessed such suffering of the Cuban people," Payá stated during her speech.
Her message concluded with a phrase long used by Cuban activists and exiles: "The night will not be eternal."
Key Questions on Cuba and U.S. Relations
What prompted the Cuban exiles to gather in Washington?
The exiles gathered to urge the Trump administration to take stronger actions against the Cuban government, emphasizing the need for tangible measures over mere rhetoric.
What changes did the new U.S. restrictions on Cuba bring?
The new restrictions removed the general license for professional meetings in Cuba, limited educational activities, and eliminated people-to-people exchanges. They also introduced changes to financial operations and broadened restrictions on transactions with entities on the Cuba Restricted List.
How did the trial of Anna Bensi relate to the demonstration?
The trial of Anna Bensi coincided with the demonstration, highlighting ongoing human rights issues in Cuba. The case drew attention from the international community and was included in the protest's denunciations of Cuba's political repression.