Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
On Cuban Independence Day, the President marked the 124th anniversary of Cuba’s founding as a free nation following its struggle against Spanish rule, drawing parallels to the American fight for freedom. This day commemorates the 1902 establishment of the Republic of Cuba and the start of its self-government, emphasizing enduring values of liberty, hard work, and faith in God that have characterized the Cuban people.
The statement criticizes the current regime in Havana as a betrayal of Cuba’s founding ideals. It describes the communist government as dismantling political freedoms, denying fair elections, silencing dissent, and causing economic collapse while enriching a ruling elite. The regime is accused of suppressing human dignity and prioritizing control and the export of communism over Cuban prosperity.
Regarding regional security, the President reiterated a commitment to act decisively against threats emanating from the hemisphere. He highlighted measures to cut financial support to regimes in Central and South America that fund criminal and terrorist operations threatening the United States.
The message references a major U.S. military operation involving the capture and extradition of Venezuelan narcoterrorist Nicolas Maduro, sending a clear signal to socialist allies in Havana about U.S. resolve in the region.