Cubans protest in Washington and call on Trump for more pressure against the regime

Cubans are rallying in Washington to urge Donald Trump to strengthen pressure against the Cuban regime, demanding the release of political prisoners and highlighting human rights violations on the island.


A group of Cubans gathered this Tuesday at Lafayette Square, in front of the White House, to demand President Donald Trump intensify his stance and maintain pressure against the Cuban regime.

With flags of Cuba, posters, and slogans such as "Freedom for Cuba" and "No more dictatorship," the protesters, led by influencer Alexander Otaola, aimed to raise awareness of their demand for international support in what they describe as a human rights crisis on the island.

The protest focused on urging the president, known for toughening sanctions against the government of Havana during his first term (2017-2021), to continue leading initiatives to pressure the regime.

"Today, eight days after Donald J. Trump entered the White House, we are here, aligned with his policies towards the lefts of the world," Otaola told the attendees.

Among those present was the supporter of the Cuban regime, Edmundo García, who, according to images shared by independent journalist Ernesto Morales, was removed from the location by the police.

Facebook Capture/Ernesto Morales

Since he announced the call for the demonstration, Otaola referred to it as a "historic gathering."

"We demand the immediate release of all political prisoners on the island. Families separated, lives ruined... Enough already!" he wrote, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Furthermore, the activist called for Cuba to be declared a threat to the national security of the United States, arguing that the advancement of communism poses a danger to freedoms in the region. "It is time to make our voice heard. Freedom is not negotiated; it is defended," he concluded.

This measure was revoked by the U.S. president, just hours after taking office, reversing the decision made by the Biden administration to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

According to an official communication from the White House, the main objective of the Trump administration is to "restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of the American citizen. The revocations within this order will be the first of many steps the Federal Government of the United States will take to repair our institutions and our economy."

Frequently Asked Questions about the Protests of Cubans in Washington

Why did Cubans protest in Washington in front of the White House?

Cubans protested in front of the White House to urge President Donald Trump to intensify his stance against the Cuban regime, demanding greater international pressure due to the human rights crisis on the island. The demonstration was led by influencer Alexander Otaola, who has been a consistent critic of the Cuban regime.

What demands did the Cuban protesters make in Washington?

The protesters demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners in Cuba and called for the Cuban regime to be declared a threat to the national security of the United States. Additionally, they aimed to highlight human rights violations on the island and urged that sanctions against the government of Havana be maintained and strengthened.

What role did Alexander Otaola play in the protest in front of the White House?

Alexander Otaola, a well-known Cuban influencer, was the organizer and leader of the protest in Washington. He used his social media platform to call for the demonstration, describing it as a "historic gathering" and emphasizing the need to raise voices against the communist regime in Cuba. Otaola has been a supporter of the sanctions imposed by Trump and has called for more decisive actions against the Cuban government.

How has the U.S. government responded to the demands of the Cuban protesters?

The government of Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against the Cuban regime, re-establishing Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism and reversing decisions made by the administration of Joe Biden. These actions reflect a commitment to the demands of protesters to increase pressure on the Cuban regime and support the cause of human rights on the island.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.