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The Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola expressed his gratitude for having been invited to the inauguration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which will take place in Washington D.C. on January 20th.
Through his social media, Otaola described this invitation as a "valuable trophy" that represents recognition of his work and credibility.
"Being invited to the inauguration of the 47th president is an honor I will always cherish as a valuable trophy. It is a validation of the work and credibility we have achieved. Thank you all for the support!" the host expressed on his digital platforms.
The invitation extended to Otaola is in addition to that received by political analyst Manuel Milanés, who also announced that he received an official invitation to Trump's inauguration ceremony.
The representation of the Cuban immigrant community attending the event highlights the prominent place the island holds in the concerns of the new cabinet, which includes several Cuban-Americans in high-level positions, spotlighting Marco Rubio as a potential Secretary of State.
The occasion can serve as a backdrop to stage a message of unity for the Cuban community in the United States, considering that among several of its most visible figures, there have been controversies and rivalries, along with struggles for prominence and mutual criticism.
In the past, figures like Otaola and Milanés have expressed differing views on their role in the fight for democracy in Cuba, which is reflected in their respective public statements and social media appearances.
While some sectors celebrate these invitations as a demonstration of support for the Cuban cause, others view them as political strategies that do not necessarily translate into a real impact on the situation on the island.
In December 2023, the Cuban regime included several exiled personalities on lists of "terrorists" or "destabilizing agents" due to their active opposition to the dictatorship. Among them were Alexander Otaola Casal, Eliecer Ávila Cecilia, Liudmila Santiesteban Cruz (Liu Santiesteban), Manuel Milanés Pizonero, Alain Lambert Sánchez (Paparazzi cubano), Jorge Ramón Batista Calero (Ultrack), and Eduardo Arias León.
Trump's government priorities, according to Otaola
Recently, Otaola sparked a new controversy by defining those Cubans who, in his opinion, should be deported to Cuba without hesitation during the new Trump Administration.
Immigrants who did not arrive for political reasons should be deported. Those with criminal records, those who declare themselves communists, those who say that what they are interested in is opening a business in Cuba and sending a car there,” he pointed out.
Otaola stated that those are the ones to be told "go back," as they do not qualify for any immigration status and should be put on boats or planes back to Cuba.
"Moreover, it must be done without asking permission from the Cuban dictatorship, which is another one of the major mistakes that the United States is making," added the former mayoral candidate.
Otaola admitted that although there are "pacts" between both countries, one cannot treat the island as if it were a country functioning normally, because "Cuba is not a normal country."
He also accused the Communist Party of Cuba of using migration flows as a tool for political pressure.
The controversial host stated that the government of the United States "needs to stop asking, fill the mother ship, set sail, reach the shores, bring down the crowd and tell them: 'Get up, you were born here'."
Alexander Otaola remarked that anyone who does not want to be on that list must stop being an economic immigrant.
"An economic immigrant is anyone who came here to get a phone, a car, a better standard of living, and they didn't come because they were bothered by communism or because they felt limited and oppressed in their home country," he defined.
Otaola did not exempt the Cubans with I-220A from the group, especially those who at Versailles said, "We do not talk about politics."
"All those people in the first shipment," asserted the influencer, who took the opportunity to recommend that all deportees should be allowed to take their "things," including a generator and a solar panel to withstand the blackouts on the island.
"I believe it would be something good for the Trump administration to do, and I think they will do it, although perhaps not in this way," he added, concluding that "it would be nice."
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