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The Cuban American National Foundation (FNCA) expressed its deep concern regarding the recent decision by President Donald Trump to cut funding allocated to the Voice of America, which directly affects the operation of Radio Martí.
According to the organization, this measure endangers the work of a media outlet that for decades has served as a vital source of information for the Cuban people, exposing the abuses of the Castro regime and empowering citizens in their struggle for their rights.
Radio Martí, founded in 1983 thanks to the vision of Jorge Mas Canosa and the approval of the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act, has been an informational stronghold for Cubans inside and outside the island, highlighted the FNCA.
Since its creation, it has played a fundamental role in disseminating news censored by the Cuban government and has made visible the political, economic, and social crisis facing the country.
An uncertain future for Radio Martí
The reduction in funding comes at a critical time for the island, with total internet disconnections, electricity outages lasting over 48 hours, shortages of food and medicine, and an escalating crackdown on dissent.
The FNCA warned that this decision could lead to the weakening or definitive closure of Radio Martí, something the Cuban regime has sought for years and is starting to celebrate as a victory, just like the freeze on USAID funds that directly impacts independent Cuban media and civil society organizations.
The crisis at the station has been reflected in the recent administrative decisions that have led to the mass dismissal of employees and contractors.
According to information from sources close to the outlet, the staff of Radio y TV Martí is facing layoffs following the presidential order that dismantles the agency managing the outlet, amid allegations of alleged espionage and supposed mismanagement of resources.
FNCA urges Trump to reverse the decision
The FNCA, through its president Francisco "Pepe" Hernández and its chairman Jorge Mas Santos, has made an urgent appeal to Trump to reconsider his decision.
"Abandoning the people of Cuba in these circumstances is not in line with the humanitarian principles that have characterized this great nation," stated the organization's communiqué.
While the FNCA acknowledged the efforts of the Trump administration in the fight against the Castro dictatorship, it insisted that the existence of Radio Martí is crucial for this objective. "The Cuban people need, now more than ever, the support and solidarity of the United States," concludes the statement.
With uncertainty surrounding the future of Radio Martí, the layoffs underway and the risk of imminent closure, Trump's decision has sparked strong opposition within the exiled community and among organizations that have championed information freedom in Cuba for decades.
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