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Cuban-American businessman Jorge Mas Santos asserted that "the day of freedom for our Homeland is nearing," following a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where he stated that he sensed a strong commitment from the U.S. administration to Cuba's political future.
In an exclusive interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón from Martí Noticias, Mas Santos recounted that during the meeting, which also included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Cuba, exile, and the possibility of change on the island were discussed directly.
"I found in the President of the United States a man with a complete conviction to help the Cuban people achieve their freedom," he stated.
According to the businessman, the private conversations he had with Trump and Rubio left him with a clear message. “My message to the Cuban people today is that the day of freedom for our homeland is approaching,” he said, expressing his hope that this change can happen soon.
But Santos described the meeting as a particularly significant moment for him, recalling the decades of struggle of the Cuban exile community and the legacy of his father, Jorge Mas Canosa, a historic leader of the Cuban American National Foundation.
"I made many trips to the Capitol and the White House with my father advocating for the freedom of Cuba. But this meeting was very special," he commented.
During the conversation, he also addressed the fear that many Cubans feel regarding potential negotiations that could allow the regime to remain in power in exchange for economic reforms or an opening to investments.
But Santos stated that he does not believe that scenario is possible.
“I am confident that this will not be an arrangement that allows the continuation of a murderous regime that is a failed state,” he stated.
The businessman argued that any process of change must ensure free elections, respect for civil rights, and a genuine rule of law on the island.
The meeting at the White House took place weeks after Trump himself publicly suggested that political changes could occur in Cuba in the near future.
During a reception for the Inter Miami club on March 5, the president congratulated Jorge and José Mas, sons of an exiled Cuban family, and hinted at his vision of what could happen with the island.
"You are going to return... you won’t need my approval, you will simply fly back. It will be a great day," Trump said during the exchange.
The president also hinted that he might meet again with Mas to discuss what he described as potential changes.
"We will be together again very soon, celebrating what is happening in Cuba. They desperately want to reach an agreement," he stated.
For Mas, that moment represented more than just a political gesture. It was also a sign of continuity in a struggle that his family has defended for generations.
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