'We believe it': Internet divided as Trump suggests Cuban regime could 'be changed' if he's reelected

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Former President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of a leadership change in Cuba should he secure reelection in November.

The presumed Republican nominee, 77, addressed the worsening crisis within the communist nation, acknowledging the severe economic and energy hardships plaguing the country.

Trump Acknowledges Cuba's Struggle

"I want to express my admiration and support for all of the brave people of Cuba, who are standing up against the vile communist regime," Trump remarked in a video posted on Truth Social Friday. "It’s not easy and we appreciate it and it’s gonna be changed."

“Under Cuba’s brutal and corrupt dictators, the Cuban people are suffering terrible food shortages, energy blackouts, poverty, political repression, and religious persecution,” he added.

Trump's comments come amid Cuba's struggles under the rule of Miguel Díaz-Canel, who assumed the presidency in 2019, succeeding Raúl Castro, the effective leader of the decades-old dictatorship.

Protests have erupted across Cuba, driven by grievances over energy and food scarcity, with mounting calls for the military to align with the populace against the Communist regime. The US Embassy urged the Cuban government to respect the rights of protesters via a Facebook post, as tensions continued to escalate.

To alleviate the crisis, the Cuban regime has sought assistance from the World Food Programme, requesting essentials like powdered milk. However, amid growing discontent, the regime has accused the United States of interventionism, exacerbating the human suffering on the island, per The Hill.

Trump, pledging unwavering support for the Cuban people, criticized President Joe Biden's handling of the situation, branding him as "weak" on communism.

“I want the people of Cuba to know that we are watching what is happening in Santiago very closely watching it every single minute of the day,” Trump said. “We are with you. Under my administration, we will return to being very strong on the oppressors."

“Unlike Crooked Joe Biden, who has been very weak on the communists, I stand with the Cuban people. He does not stand with them,” he continued. “He doesn’t care about them. He couldn’t care less. I echo your call for the release of political prisoners in Cuba.”

The former president advocated for "free and fair" elections in Cuba, drawing parallels to electoral concerns within the United States.

“You have to have free and fair elections,” he said. “Our country has some problems with that also, by the way, most of all, I share your vision for a Cuba that is safe, prosperous and free. God bless the Cuban people and God bless America.”

Social Media Reactions

Trump's assertions sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some echoing his sentiments.

"I believe it! He's been right about everything else so far," one posted on X.

"Gonna piss off Obama. He loves the Castros," another quipped.

"This could be. Those commies have inertia. There is no good reason to hang on to communism there," a comment read.

Others derided the former President's claims as overly ambitious or unrealistic.

"Sure & he’s Superman," one commented.

"Oh sure," another added.

"I'm tired of autocrats who are so full of HUBRIS putting people in danger," someone else offered.

Cuban Response

Responding to criticisms, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Fernández de Cossío attributed the food shortages to long-standing US embargoes, denouncing American interference in Cuba's internal affairs.

"It was also cynical, as we said publicly, and hypocritical because it was referring to issues that are occurring in Cuba in which there’s an import and responsibility from the US government," de Cossío stated, describing the remarks as "disrespectful."

The United States has maintained trade embargoes on Cuba since the early 1960s, with limited exceptions for the export of food products to the private sector.

Amid the ongoing crisis, the State Department has reissued travel warnings for Cuba, citing concerns over crime and violence, Fox News reported.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.