Related videos:
The Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar reacted on social media this Monday to the closure of Radio y TV Martí, stating that these media outlets have been crucial in countering the propaganda of the Cuban regime.
"Radio Martí has been key in countering the propaganda of the Castro/Díaz-Canel regime," Salazar wrote on her X account, emphasizing the importance of these informative platforms for the Cuban people.
He also assured that he will continue working alongside President Donald Trump to ensure that Cubans continue to have access to uncensored news amid the restructuring within the federal government.
"While the programs and agencies of the federal government undergo restructuring, I will continue to work with President Trump to ensure that the Cuban people have access to the uncensored news they need and deserve," he stated.
The congresswoman's reaction follows that of the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who asserted on social media X this Monday that Radio y TV Martí has played a vital role for peaceful opposition, independent journalism, and political prisoners.
In his message, the Cuban dissident also stated: “We urgently request the President of the United States to ensure that Radio y Televisión Martí continues to give voice to our oppressed people, silenced by a brutal tyranny that is an enemy of the U.S. and all of the West.”
The administration of Donald Trump implemented a massive cut at the USAGM (United States Agency for Global Media), in response to the executive order signed on March 14, 2025, titled "Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy".
This measure aims to drastically reduce the structure of government agencies by eliminating functions deemed unnecessary.
As part of this decision, USAGM began to dismantle non-essential areas and operations, limiting its staff to the minimum allowed by law.
As a result, a large number of employees, including those from its subsidiaries, were placed on paid administrative leave starting last Saturday, with no clear return date.
Starting this Saturday, the broadcasts of Radio and TV Martí, along with other media operated by the agency, have been suspended following the announcement of the executive order.
On Sunday, the layoffs at Radio y TV Martí began, as reported on social media by journalist Roberto Céspedes, a former collaborator of USAGM.
In his post, he detailed that all contractors of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting received an email notifying them of the immediate cessation of their duties.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Closure of Radio and TV Martí and Its Impact
Why were Radio and TV Martí shut down?
The closure of Radio and TV Martí is due to a massive cut in the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), driven by an executive order from President Donald Trump to reduce federal bureaucracy. This cut affected the operations of several government-funded media outlets, including Radio and TV Martí.
What is the importance of Radio Martí for Cuba?
Radio Martí has been essential in countering the propaganda of the Cuban regime and providing uncensored information to the Cuban people. It has played a crucial role in supporting peaceful opposition, independent journalism, and political prisoners in Cuba.
What has María Elvira Salazar said about the closure of Radio Martí?
The congresswoman María Elvira Salazar stated that Radio Martí has been key in countering the propaganda of the Castro/Díaz-Canel regime and emphasized her commitment to work with President Trump to ensure that Cubans have access to uncensored news.
How has the Cuban opposition reacted to the shutdown of Radio Martí?
The opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer expressed that Radio and TV Martí are of vital importance for the fight for democracy in Cuba and urged the President of the United States not to shut down these platforms, as their disappearance would benefit the Cuban communist regime.
Filed under:
