The statements made by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, regarding that "many things are going to happen in Cuba in the next perhaps two months" triggered a wave of skepticism, irony, and frustration among Cubans on social media this Thursday, where hundreds of users reacted with disbelief to yet another announcement about the future of the island.
Trump made the statements during an interview with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst at the White House. When asked about possible action against Cuba, he stated that he did not believe the island would follow the same path as Venezuela, although he added, "We could do that with Cuba. It wouldn't be difficult for us to do it."
The post by CiberCuba on Facebook that featured those statements garnered over 300 comments within a few hours. Most of them shared a common sentiment: Cubans have been hearing promises of changes that never materialize for far too long.
One of the most shared messages captured that sentiment with a question filled with hopelessness: "Will there be any Cubans left alive by that date?"
Others turned to humor to express their fatigue.
"This has more seasons than Grey's Anatomy," wrote a user.
"Two by two, we will reach the millennium," commented another.
Several internet users recalled that this is not the first time Trump has announced imminent changes for Cuba. They mentioned previous statements in which he claimed the island was "ready to fall," talked about a forthcoming change, or warned that he would act "in a short time" if the presence of Iranian drones in Cuban territory was confirmed.
"Take a screenshot of this for when September arrives," a reader quipped.
Another comment reflected the weariness caused by the waiting amidst the crisis the country is experiencing.
"If the ordinary Cuban has to wait until your term is over, half of Cuba will already be three meters underground."
There were also those who interpreted the president's words as part of a political strategy ahead of the U.S. legislative elections in November.
"What he is doing is entertaining Cubans so they will vote in November," wrote a user.
Trump's statements come at a time of increasing tension between Washington and Havana. In recent months, the U.S. administration has tightened sanctions against the Cuban regime, while CBS News revealed this week that the Pentagon has evaluated various scenarios for a potential military operation against the island, although U.S. officials clarified that immediate intervention is not on the table.
Meanwhile, Cubans continue to face a profound economic and energy crisis, characterized by prolonged power outages, shortages of food and fuel, and a decline in living conditions.
Perhaps the comment that best summarized the prevailing sentiment was one of the briefest: "Two more months of extreme agony."
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