The Cuban-American influencer and activist Alex Otaola reacted harshly on his show "Hola! Ota-Ola" to President Donald Trump's decision to allow the entry of the Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin into Cuba, although the following day he clarified that his support for the president remains "intact, unconditional."
Trump confirmed the decision on March 29 aboard Air Force One, where he also reiterated his well-known phrase about Cuba: "Cuba is going to be next. Cuba is a disaster. It is a failing country and they will be next. In a short period of time, it will fail, and we will be there to help."
But in the same press conference, he ruled out any issues with the shipment of crude oil: "If a country wants to send oil to Cuba right now, I have no problem with that, whether it's Russia or not."
Otaola didn't take long to respond from his show.
Trump says it's fine for the Russian ship with oil to come in because the people in Cuba need to survive. But let’s make sure they survive. Let's ensure that no more Cubans die. Take action now. Free them from communism. Free them from the PCC, the activist asserted.
The presenter directly questioned the humanitarian argument put forth by the White House.
"Does anyone know of anyone whose life has improved because of the oil tankers being sent? Does anyone know who has benefited from the little oil boat coming from Mexico, or the one coming from Russia now, or the one that used to come from Venezuela?" he asked.
Otaola went further by pointing out those whom he believes are influencing Trump to make that decision.
"Whoever is speaking with the president saying, let the oil ship in so there can be heating and air conditioning... that is a State Security agent. Stamp that."
Also, he linked the authorization of the shipment to the situation of political prisoners: "What need is there to allow a single oil tanker to enter when they have not released the over 100 political prisoners?".
Otaola's tone was one of outright disappointment at what he described as an unexpected turn.
"It's embarrassing to see that the president who yesterday wouldn't allow a drop of oil in, today says that a little Russian boat is nothing and that if other countries want to send another little boat, that's nothing. What a shame," he expressed.
Otaola took the opportunity to make it clear, once again, what his demand is.
"We are demanding firm action against the Cuban dictatorship. No puppet should remain standing, so that the Cuban people can be free, can express themselves, can thrive, can speak, can gather, and can freely choose the Cuba they desire," he concluded, expressing hope that, by any means necessary, this freedom arrives as soon as possible.
The next day, in response to those who interpreted his words as an attack on Trump, Otaola posted a video on Facebook to clarify his stance.
"I did not attack President Trump, nor have I withdrawn or will I withdraw my support. My support is intact; it is unconditional.", he clarified.
However, he explained that he simply will not remain silent when he sees decisions he disagrees with.
"I am not going to remain silent about things I see happening that are not resulting in what they say will happen," he stated.
Otaola also mocked those who speculated about a political shift and advised, "Don't celebrate before the birthday arrives because, no, there is no reason for that."
Meanwhile, the Russian Energy Minister Serguéi Tsivilev announced in recent hours that a second tanker is already being loaded for Cuba.
"We will not leave the Cubans in distress," he concluded.
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