The Cuban regime intensified its verbal and diplomatic offensive against the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States in Havana, Mike Hammer, accusing him of lying, promoting internal destabilization, and violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
A través de la funcionaria del ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (MINREX), Johana Tablada de la Torre, se lanzó una advertencia directa: “No one should confuse the patience that Cuba has shown in the face of these kinds of acts with weakness”.
These statements were included in a promotional video published by the official media Prensa Latina, but were subsequently removed from the final version. The removal of this part of the material suggests that the content exceeded the usual diplomatic tone and could lead to misunderstandings or escalate the bilateral conflict.
In the removed fragment, Tablada described Hammer's actions as "open interference," accused him of meeting with individuals "whom the United States has funded to undermine the constitutional order," and stated that the role of the U.S. embassy is that of a "executioner."
The Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of the United States at MINREX also stated that "the government of Cuba has regulations" regarding whom a foreign diplomat can meet with, and reaffirmed that they will not yield "one iota" regarding the revolution, socialism, and our sovereignty.
The statements were accompanied by a narrative linking the presence and remarks of the diplomat to an alleged U.S. campaign to portray Cuba as a threat to the national interests of the United States.
These words add to a rhetoric that has escalated in tone over the past few weeks, in response to Hammer's efforts in "open diplomacy," who has held meetings with activists, opponents, and members of independent civil society in Cuba.
Tablada de la Torre accused the diplomat of acting with an "agenda of aggression and interference" and held him responsible for actions that, according to the regime, are contrary to the Cuban constitutional order. The official argued that the diplomat cannot "meet with whomever he wants" and must adhere to the "regulations" that govern his activities on the island.
In a recent video, the diplomat also stated that Hammer has “consciously” lied about the situation in the country and that his statements in Miami—where he claimed that “the revolution has failed” and that Cubans blame the regime for the crisis—are part of a destabilization strategy.
The U.S. State Department has defended the diplomat, asserting that his work is legitimate and falls within international law. "Supporting the Cuban people is not a crime," stated an official spokesperson. Washington has reiterated its commitment to human rights and to Cuban civil society.
The escalation of tensions between the Cuban regime and the U.S. diplomat
Since his arrival in Havana in November 2024, Hammer has implemented an active agenda of meetings with opponents, activists, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens.
These actions have generated growing concern within the Cuban regime, which has intensified its media and diplomatic attacks against the American diplomat.
On May 30, 2025, the MINREX summoned Hammer to deliver a Note of Protest, accusing him of inciting Cuban citizens to commit serious crimes and act against the constitutional order.
The meeting was led by Alejandro García del Toro, Director of Bilateral Affairs at MINREX, who expressed the Cuban regime's strong rejection of the behavior of the U.S. diplomat, describing it as disrespectful and interfering.
Cuban authorities also criticized what they described as a "public and insulting manipulation" of José Martí's legacy by Hammer, following his visit to the National Hero's grave in Santiago de Cuba. According to MINREX, his statements about Martí reveal a profound ignorance of the independence and anti-imperialist legacy of the Cuban leader.
In response to the accusations from the Cuban regime, the United States Department of State defended Hammer, stating that his work in Cuba aims to support the Cuban people and promote human rights. U.S. officials reiterated their commitment to a foreign policy that holds the Cuban regime accountable for its negative influence in the region.
The Cuban regime has intensified its media attacks against Hammer, reflecting a growing concern over the direct and open diplomacy strategy that the American official has deployed since his arrival on the island.
Despite the criticism and accusations, Hammer has continued with his agenda on the island, reiterating his interest in listening directly to the Cuban people and strengthening the ties between both countries from the grassroots.
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