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The Cuban opposition leader, José Daniel Ferrer, requested this Monday that the President of the United States, Donald Trump, not shut down Radio y Televisión Martí, arguing that this medium is essential for the struggle for democracy in Cuba.
Through a post on his X account, Ferrer highlighted the importance of these platforms for peaceful opposition, independent journalism, and political prisoners.
"Radio and Television Martí are a necessary and inseparable symbol of the cause for freedom and democracy in Cuba. They transcend our geographical borders. They are of vital importance to our struggle for a Free, Democratic Cuba, a friend of the U.S. and all of the West," he wrote."
Ferrer emphasized that, while a restructuring might be necessary to improve its reach and effectiveness, its complete disappearance would deal a serious blow to the Cuban opposition and would benefit the propaganda of the Castro regime.
"Your total absence would greatly benefit the discourse and propaganda of the Cuban communist regime and the increasingly present antidemocratic media in our continent, such as Russia Today, CGTN (China), HispanTV (Iran), and Telesur (Venezuela)," he pointed out.
The opposition leader also recalled that these media were created thanks to the efforts of businessman Jorge Mas Canosa and the determination of former President Ronald Reagan, asserting that a single day without their broadcast would represent a victory for the communists in Cuba and the continent.
For Ferrer, the continuation of Radio y TV Martí is crucial for Cubans seeking information outside of state control.
Your request to Trump becomes significant at a time when, following an order from the President, a massive reduction of operations at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has begun, the entity that oversees Radio and TV Martí, as well as Voice of America and other media funded by the U.S. government.
With this statement, Ferrer aims to mobilize support to prevent any decision that would involve the closure or reduction of Radio y TV Martí, urging the U.S. administration to continue its support for these media outlets.
For her part, Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar stated on her X account that Radio Martí has been essential in countering the propaganda of the Castro and Díaz-Canel regime.
"As federal government programs and agencies are being restructured, I will continue to work with President Trump to ensure that the Cuban people have access to uncensored news, as they deserve and need," he stated.
The Trump administration initiated a massive cut in the operations of the USAGM, in compliance with the executive order signed on March 14, 2025, titled "Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy", aimed at drastically reducing the structure of government agencies.
In compliance with this directive, USAGM began to eliminate non-statutory components and functions, reducing its staff to the minimum required by law. As a result, a significant portion of the personnel, including its affiliates, was placed on paid administrative leave as of last Saturday, until further notice.
The operations of Radio y TV Martí, as well as other media outlets, have come to a halt since this Saturday, following the announcement of Trump's order.
This Sunday, layoffs began at Radio y TV Martí, as confirmed by journalist Roberto Céspedes on his social media, a former collaborator of USAGM. According to his post, all contractors of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting received an email notifying them that they must cease their duties immediately.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of Radio and TV Martí and the fight for democracy in Cuba
Why does José Daniel Ferrer consider Radio and TV Martí vital for Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer believes that Radio and TV Martí are essential for the struggle for democracy in Cuba because they provide uncensored information to Cubans, countering the propaganda of the Castro regime. Ferrer asserts that their disappearance would benefit the discourse of the Cuban communist regime and other anti-democratic media outlets such as Russia Today and Telesur.
What is the position of the Cuban American National Foundation regarding the closure of Radio Martí?
The Cuban American National Foundation (FNCA) has expressed its deep concern over the funding cuts that threaten the operation of Radio Martí. The FNCA believes that closing Radio Martí would benefit the Cuban regime and has urged President Trump to restore the funds so that this medium can continue to be a vital source of information for the Cuban people.
What impact would the closure of Radio and TV Martí have on the Cuban opposition?
The closure of Radio and TV Martí would be a hard blow for the Cuban opposition, according to José Daniel Ferrer. The disappearance of these media outlets would hinder the dissemination of independent information and strengthen the regime's propaganda, limiting Cubans' access to uncensored news and weakening dissenting voices.
What measures does Senator Rick Scott propose against the Cuban regime?
Senator Rick Scott proposes to intensify sanctions against the Cuban regime, including the reinstatement of sanctions and the restriction of visas for individuals who support the regime. Scott believes that the Cuban regime poses a threat to the national security of the United States and advocates for keeping Cuba on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
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