The Cuban chancellor, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, showcased this Wednesday the March of the Torches held in Havana as a demonstration of “anti-imperialist resistance,” in response to recent statements by Donald Trump, who predicted the imminent fall of the communist system on the island.
"In a coinciding response to the 'fall' predictions made by President Trump from Iowa, thousands of Cubans, led by young people, are marching tonight with torches through the streets of Havana honoring José Martí and, with him, his steadfast anti-imperialist and unyielding stance," Rodríguez wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter).
The message from the Foreign Minister arrives just hours after Trump stated at a public meeting in Iowa that "Cuba will fail very soon" and that the Caribbean nation "is very close to collapsing," referring to the energy crisis and the loss of economic support from Venezuela.
The Cuban government used the traditional Torch March on Tuesday night—a event organized by the Young Communist League (UJC) on the eve of José Martí's birthday—to try to project an image of unity in the face of collapse predictions made from Washington.
However, images circulated on social media showed lower participation than in previous years and a noticeable public apathy.
Rodríguez avoided responding directly to the causes of the crisis, but he attempted to politicize the Marti celebration, framing it as a demonstration of strength against the U.S. narrative.
"We honor Martí and his unwavering anti-imperialist stance," insisted the chancellor, aligning with the regime's usual rhetoric.
During an informal meeting at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale, Iowa, Trump stated that “Cuba will fail very soon” and that the regime has been maintained “by sheer inertia” since the fall of its main economic supporter, Venezuelan chavismo.
“It's really a nation that is very close to failing,” said the leader, who recalled that Havana depended on the oil and money from Caracas, support that he claimed “no longer exists.”
Trump's words come in the context of a tightening of Washington's policy toward the Cuban regime, driven by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who openly acknowledged before the Senate this week that "the United States seeks a regime change in Cuba."
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