The communist regime in Cuba has formally warned the top U.S. diplomat in Havana, Mike Hammer, accusing him of “interfering” in the country’s internal affairs. The regime’s protest note, delivered Friday, claims Hammer is “inciting Cubans to commit serious criminal acts” by meeting with political dissidents, religious leaders, and families of political prisoners.
Hammer, who serves as chargé d’affaires at the U.S. embassy in Havana, has been traveling the island to speak directly with Cubans, a move praised by the Trump administration as a demonstration of “America First” diplomacy. Hammer’s visits have drawn harsh criticism from Cuba’s communist regime, which labeled him a “subversive agent” for encouraging Cubans to push back against oppression.
The Cuban government’s anger peaked after Hammer visited the tomb of Cuban independence hero José Martí on May 19, quoting Martí’s defense of freedom. The regime accused Hammer of “manipulating” Martí’s words, claiming they were twisted to fit American “imperialist” interests.
In response, the U.S. State Department blasted Havana’s “corrupt, inept, and failed” policies and said it would continue supporting Cuban patriots. A department official told Reuters that Hammer’s mission aligns with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, and the U.S. would keep holding the Castro regime accountable for its oppression.
Hammer says Cubans overwhelmingly blame the regime, not the U.S., for the nation’s misery. He also revealed the regime deploys surveillance teams to monitor his meetings and disrupt his travels, yet he remains committed to hearing Cubans’ voices.
The regime’s crackdown comes as Trump reaffirms his administration’s commitment to Cuban freedom, signaling a renewed focus on countering the regime’s influence across the Americas.
