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The administration of Donald Trump ordered the temporary suspension of all programs of grants and loans funded by federal agencies for foreign aid, a measure that has significantly affected independent media and NGOs promoting democratization in Cuba. Many of these organizations are still attempting to grasp the impact of the decision, which leaves their operations and sources of funding in uncertainty.
The acting head of the Office of Management and Budget, Matthew Vaeth, justified the measure by stating that the new administration needs to review the amounts and determine whether these grants align with its political priorities.
In a memorandum, the administration directed federal agencies to identify and reevaluate all financial assistance programs to ensure they align with the president's policies. Vaeth emphasized that allocating public funds to measures that are not favored by the Government represents "a waste of taxpayers' money that does not improve the daily lives of those we serve."
The measure, which the White House has overturned by jeopardizing government housing and health programs for vulnerable Americans, also seriously undermines the viability of certain projects that affect Cuba.
The temporary freezing of the order raises more questions than answers because it is unclear if it solely affects poverty alleviation policies and humanitarian aid, and does not extend to other recipients of the well-known 'grants' from U.S. agencies. In short, it is not clear for whom and for how long the freeze is in place.
Blow to independent journalism
The "sudden" cancellation of the subsidies caused excitement, shock, and bewilderment among the media that are not aligned with the Castro dictatorship, as well as among activists both on the island and abroad. However, what has most distinguished the reaction of those affected has been silence. Behind this caution lies the certainty that the Díaz-Canel regime will use the blow to independent journalism as an argument to 'sell' the idea that they have no opposition without money from the United States.
In that context, Javier Larrondo from the NGO Prisoners Defenders chose not to comment on a decision he believes only affects the United States. "We only try to comment on human rights in the 10 countries where we operate, and this is an internal political matter for the United States, a country where we do not operate," he stated in comments to CiberCuba.
The most discreet are undoubtedly the weakest links in the chain: the workers who see their jobs at risk. Under the condition of anonymity, consulted journalists confess their fear of the closure of their platforms, which, as collateral damage, would leave Cubans on the island without access to diverse and plural channels of information.
Among those affected by a measure of this magnitude is Diario de Cuba. Its director, Pablo Díaz, did not dodge the question, although he could not gauge its impact this Tuesday, January 28. "Yes, it affects us. Although it's still too early to determine to what extent and what situation we are left in," he told CiberCuba.
The problem is serious for some because, in principle, they are now supposed to receive payment for work and investments that have already been completed. In practice, the subsidies are received for a specific purpose and are disbursed in installments, as the initiatives are executed and upon submission of a report detailing where the money has gone. However, those payments corresponding to work that has already been done have not been made.
Many believe that, as announced by the Office of Management and Budget at the White House, we are indeed facing a temporary measure; however, for others, it is not a pause but an ending. The memorandum (M 25-13) particularly jeopardizes projects related to topics that Trump has openly renounced with the majority support of voters: diversity and inclusion programs, gender ideology (woke), and those related to the Green Deal.
The announcement has made an impact, even on those who do not receive grants. This is the case for Wilfredo Cancio, director of Café Fuerte, a platform that has not received funding in the 15 years it has been in operation. Nevertheless, he believes we are facing bad news. "Since its announcement, the issuance of a memorandum, and the clarifying update to the memorandum, the last-minute ruling by a judge in Washington, D.C. blocking the suspension and the potential cancellation of the order by the White House, all this tumult could end in the restoration of funds, but he warns that the traditional mechanism for these financial benefits is damaged and will be transformed, not exactly for the better."
Cancio admits that for years he has criticized the procedures for granting funds to organizations and media dedicated to the "Cuba cause," as well as the lack of "thorough oversight of their budgets." However, beyond the serious objections that may exist, and which he indeed holds, he insists that he cannot deny "that these are fundamental contributions to support very commendable initiatives aimed at promoting ideas, change, and future solutions for our country."
In tune with Cancio is Luis Flores, CEO of CiberCuba, an independent media outlet that will continue to operate because it has never received any funding from governments, institutions, or private entities. "We are 100% financed by advertising," he states while acknowledging that the measure deals a severe blow to the sector, as it was unexpected. In countries like Spain, where several platforms are based, closing a business can leave you buried in debt.
For Hilda Landrove, an essayist, researcher, and also a journalist for outlets like Rialta, if the decision to suspend subsidies to independent media is finally carried out, "it will be a severe blow not only personally. It will affect independent journalism and civil society."
In his opinion, the first thing that will happen is that "the regime will create a narrative that this is proof that independent Cuban journalism was never truly independent, because they believe that this dependence is not only economic but also ideological. They cannot interpret it any other way. There is another conclusion related to the internal differences within the media. Some will say it's acceptable because there are some softer, left-leaning outlets that shouldn't be receiving money from the United States. This will lead to a discussion regarding the radicalization of some segments of the exile community about who has the right to exist or not, and it will seem appropriate to them that this upcoming review conditions the discourse."
On the other side of the scale is the Cuban writer Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo, a contributor to Hypermedia Magazine, who defends the legitimacy of the United States in determining how it uses its taxpayers' money. "Just yesterday, the U.S. was criticized for aiming to be the world's policeman and for exporting its political influences. Now, it is criticized for reconsidering whether those capital exports are effective for those receiving them and for the American taxpayer. Or whether it would be better to redistribute that money within the U.S., for instance, where so much inequality exists," he pointed out.
Elena Larrinaga from the Women’s Network of Cuba expresses a more measured opinion, noting that they have had to make adjustments to their programming following the announcement of the suspension of grants. "We were surprised by the urgency. It came without warning, which means we are left with scheduled activities in limbo. We understand that the administration has made this decision temporarily, and we are confident that they have significant reasons for it. We just want to highlight and thank the American administration for keeping the window open that allowed light and hope to enter for an oppressed people. We have no doubt that the new administration is firmly committed to human rights and freedoms, and we are confident in their support."
Laritza Diversent from Cubalex is more explicit, stating in comments to CiberCuba that institutions like the European Union are responsible for the fact that Cuban NGOs depend exclusively on the United States, as they require being based on the Island to access the funding they provide. Even while in Havana, Cubalex was unable to receive European funds through a French intermediary because the requirement to be based in the country only benefits organizations like the Federation of Cuban Women or the Association of Small Farmers. Ultimately, European taxpayer money ends up financing the satellite organizations of the Cuban communists.
"It affects us as an organization. By suspending the aid, activities, projects, and operations are put on hold. We are not going to stop working, but we will reduce our advisory services. We have to downsize our staff. This undermines years of effort put into training and retaining a team. We cannot afford to pay for the work done by people who have gained experience and skills in the Cuban context. We will continue to work, but with fewer personnel and diminished results. I understand that this is a measure that not only affects Cuba but also has a significant global impact. We will continue to operate, but with very limited capacity."
Diversent laments that the measure was not implemented in a planned manner, which would have allowed for preventive decisions. "This makes the situation worse. It leaves organizations in a very critical position. Regarding Cuba, not all countries provide funding. One of the issues we have highlighted is that, in the case of the EU, if you do not have registration on the Island, you cannot access the funds they offer. This is discriminatory and is now becoming significant because it exposes the dangers of relying on funding from a single country," he added.
At the heart of the entire controversy, Cuban activist and former political prisoner Ariel Ruiz Urquiola believes lies the issue of funding oversight. However, he argues that what has happened does not provide strong grounds for the Cuban regime to link the opposition to U.S. funding. "Every civil society that has aspired to freedom has received funds from supporters, especially when the lives of citizens are at stake, more than their rights."
In any case, he regrets that with all the money allocated for the democratization of Cuba, there is not a single case of crimes against humanity reported to any international criminal court or federal court in any country. He also expresses regret that there are individuals receiving funds in the name of political prisoners when they have not even been in Cuba. In any event, he believes that the aid "should continue and finance those projects that are neither partisan nor sectarian and do not benefit any political figure."
In short, most people recognize that a potential suspension of the grants intended for independent media and NGOs fighting for the democratization of Cuba would deal a fatal blow to many platforms and organizations. Others will continue to work, but not with the same results or visibility they have now. There is a consensus that oversight of those funds must be adequate. The criteria for awarding them must also be clear. Overall, the diaspora does not view the disappearance of the financial support from the U.S. Administration favorably, not only for Cubans but for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of U.S. Grants to Cuban Media
Why have U.S. grants to media and NGOs in Cuba been suspended?
The Donald Trump administration ordered the temporary suspension of grant and loan programs funded by federal agencies to reevaluate these funds and ensure they align with its political priorities. The goal is to prevent what they consider a waste of taxpayer money on measures that do not benefit the U.S. government.
What impact does this measure have on independent journalism in Cuba?
The cancellation of subsidies severely impacts independent journalism in Cuba, as many platforms may close due to a lack of funding. This would leave Cubans without access to diverse and plural information, and it could be used by the Díaz-Canel regime to argue that there is no opposition to the government if there is no U.S. funding.
Is it possible for the subsidies to be restored?
There is a possibility that the grants may be restored, as a federal judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump's order pending an evaluation of its legality. The final decision will depend on the judicial review and the future stance of the U.S. administration.
What other measures has the Trump administration taken that affect Cuba?
In addition to the suspension of grants, Trump has reinstated Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, which involves severe economic sanctions and financial restrictions. This action is part of a broader policy of pressure on the Cuban regime.
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