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The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, ordered the withdrawal of U.S. government funds from the independent portal CubaNet, as part of the Trump administration's policy to suspend foreign assistance.
The measure represents a significant blow to the work of independent media operating from exile and giving a voice to journalists within Cuba.
In the opinion of Roberto Hechavarría Pilia, director of the news agency, the decision significantly complicates its continuity.
"It will be extremely complicated to maintain our work as it has been conceived until now," he stated to Diario de Cuba, after being informed of the end of the grant by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
CubaNet, founded in 1994, is regarded as the pioneer of independent journalism in Cuba and has served as a platform for journalists on the Island, allowing them to expose the reality censored by the regime.
"Our goal has always been to counteract the propaganda of the Castro regime. Without this funding, the government in Havana will have greater freedom to intensify its propaganda and repression," Hechavarría stated.
The cancellation of funds to CubaNet is not an isolated incident. At the end of January, several independent exile media outlets were notified of the temporary suspension of assistance while the U.S. government reviewed its financing of international programs. However, last week, in the case of CubaNet, the suspension became permanent.
According to the received notification, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Peter W. Marocco, director of the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources at the State Department and designated deputy administrator of USAID, determined that the funding program for CubaNet "was not in the national interest." As a result, they decided to terminate and rescind it.
For Hechavarría, the most serious consequence of this decision is that CubaNet will be unable to fulfill its mission with the necessary effectiveness.
"What is happening with independent Cuban journalism, civil society, freedom of expression, and the struggle for democracy in Cuba is a step backwards, just as the Castro regime is at its weakest point," he denounced.
Furthermore, he warned about the geopolitical significance of the measure: "Cuba remains a totalitarian regime just 90 miles from the United States, allied with Russia, China, and Iran. Undoubtedly, for Havana, it is good news that efforts to oversee its actions are being reduced."
In light of this situation, Hechavarría called on the Cuban exile community and lawmakers who have supported the cause of press freedom in Cuba: "It's now or never," he stated, urging them to take actions that would support the work of those media outlets and other independent civil society organizations.
The cancellation of funding occurs in a context of economic difficulties for Cuban media outlets operating outside government control and relying on international assistance.
Public figures such as the influencer Alexander Otaola and singer Haydée Milanés have come to their defense.
Likewise, recognized opponents such as José Daniel Ferrer, Félix Navarro, Berta Soler, Manuel Cuesta Morúa, and Ángel Moya urge the Cuban exile community to participate in crowdfunding campaigns to support a free press.
The situation highlights the fragile financial stability of these independent media outlets.
CubaNet, based in Miami, and Diario de Cuba, based in Madrid, have publicly requested donations from their readers to sustain their work.
The reduction of U.S. foreign aid could strengthen authoritarian regimes, as it decreases support for human rights organizations in crisis-stricken countries. This could be exploited by powers like China and Russia to expand their influence in vulnerable regions, filling the void left by the United States.
The suspension of funds also impacts projects in Latin America that promoted democracy and human rights. Independent Latin American media outlets, such as Factual/Distintas Latitudes and No Ficción, have also been affected by the temporary suspension of USAID funds, which could lead to a significant crisis in the region's journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cancellation of Funds to CubaNet by the U.S.
Why were the U.S. funds to CubaNet canceled?
Funding for CubaNet was canceled because Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Peter W. Marocco determined that the financing program "was not in the national interest." This decision falls within the Trump administration's policy of reviewing and aligning foreign assistance with its political priorities. The measure affects independent media operating from exile, complicating their efforts to give voice to journalists within Cuba.
How does the cancellation of funding affect CubaNet and other independent Cuban media?
The cancellation of funding severely impacts the ability of CubaNet and other independent media to continue their mission of counteracting the propaganda of the Cuban regime. This may enable the Havana government to increase its control over information and repression. Furthermore, the suspension of U.S. foreign aid could empower authoritarian regimes by reducing support for human rights organizations in crisis countries.
What measures are independent Cuban media taking in response to this situation?
In light of the funding cancellation, CubaNet and other outlets like Diario de Cuba are asking their readers for donations to sustain their operations. Additionally, public figures and Cuban opposition members are urging the Cuban exile community to participate in crowdfunding campaigns to support a free press. This situation highlights the precarious financial stability of these media outlets, which rely on international assistance to operate.
What impact does the Trump administration's policy have on foreign aid?
The Trump administration's policy of reviewing and suspending foreign aid aims to align these programs with the national interests of the United States. This has resulted in the cancellation of aid to independent media and NGOs in Cuba and Latin America, which could benefit authoritarian regimes. Uncertainty about the future of foreign aid remains, impacting numerous organizations that rely on these funds to promote democracy and human rights.
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