Today marks the 124th anniversary of Cuban Independence Day, celebrating the birth of a nation that emerged through immense sacrifice, courage, and an enduring quest for freedom. Much like the American revolutionaries who overthrew tyrannical rule 250 years ago, Cuba’s founding heroes rose against the Spanish Empire to claim the right to self-governance—a right our citizens cherish today. Their struggle mirrors our own, and their aspiration for liberty is as crucial now as it was at the outset of their fight.
Throughout history, the Cuban people have consistently shown unwavering dedication to freedom and a resilient spirit that no regime has managed to suppress. On May 20, 1902, this vision was realized with the establishment of the Republic of Cuba, marking the start of self-governance for our island neighbors. The Cuban people’s love for liberty, ingenuity, hard work, and deep faith in God sustained them through the first half of the 20th century, and these enduring values continue to resonate in their hearts today.
The current regime in Havana stands as a direct betrayal of the nation their founding patriots sacrificed for. For nearly seventy years, Cuba’s communist government has dismantled political freedoms, denied fair elections, silenced dissent, and driven the economy into collapse. As the people endure hardship, the kleptocratic elite have hoarded resources to sustain their opulent lifestyles. Following the pattern of radical leftist ideologies, the regime has crushed hopes for prosperity, disregarded human dignity, and stifled the dreams of its citizens. Its military leaders have shown little interest in ensuring the people’s prosperity, focusing instead on maintaining control and exporting communism and despotism abroad.
As President, I am taking decisive measures to support this long-suffering region and address security threats originating from it. Under my leadership, our Nation is cutting off financial support that has bolstered oppressive regimes across Central and South America, which fund criminal and terrorist operations threatening the United States. In January, our Armed Forces executed a significant special operation—the capture and extradition of Venezuelan narcoterrorist Nicolas Maduro. This move sent a strong message to his socialist allies in Havana: this hemisphere is ours, and those who destabilize it and threaten the United States will face repercussions.
In the wake of the Maduro operation, I have imposed stringent new sanctions on Cuba’s military and intelligence sectors, as well as on those who provide them with support, cutting off resources and preventing the elite from profiting from the people’s suffering. My commitment is firm: America will not tolerate a rogue state harboring hostile military, intelligence, and terror operations just ninety miles from its shores, and we will not rest until the Cuban people regain the freedom their ancestors fought for over 100 years ago.
On Cuban Independence Day, our Republic stands with the Cuban people and with the millions of Cuban-Americans who have greatly enriched our Nation. Many arrived with nothing, built extraordinary lives, and wholeheartedly embraced the constitutional way of life that makes America exceptional. Today, we honor them and remember all those who have sacrificed for a free Cuba, as we look forward with optimism to a new era of prosperity for the island and its people.
