Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement of protest against Michael Hammer, the head of the US mission to the island, accusing him of “unfriendly and meddling behavior” since his arrival in late 2024.
The ministry claimed that Hammer had been inciting Cuban citizens to commit serious crimes, attack the constitutional order, and demonstrate in support of US interests. According to the ministry, “The immunity he enjoys as a representative of his country cannot be used as cover for acts contrary to the sovereignty and internal order of the country to which he is assigned, in this case, Cuba.”
The statement was delivered by Alejandro Garcia del Toro, Cuba’s director of bilateral affairs with the US. This latest development highlights the increasingly strained relations between Cuba and the US, particularly since President Donald Trump’s second term began in January. Trump has signaled a return to his “maximum pressure” campaign against Cuba, reversing efforts to ease tensions made during the Obama and Biden administrations.
Tensions between the two countries date back to the Cold War, with diplomatic ties remaining icy for decades. In 2016, Obama sought to normalize relations with Cuba, but those efforts were rolled back during Trump’s first term. Upon taking office for his second term, Trump reinstated Cuba to the US list of “state sponsors of terrorism” and appointed hardline officials, including former Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who support maintaining the trade embargo.
The Cuban government has continued to accuse the US of attempting to destabilize its leadership. The recent statement criticized Hammer’s visit to the tomb of national hero Jose Marti, accusing him of “public and insulting manipulation.” The US Embassy’s video of the visit featured Marti’s words, “Respect for the freedom and thoughts of others, even of the most unhappy kind, is my passion: If I die or am killed, it will be for that,” which critics interpreted as an endorsement of dissent on the island.
The Trump administration has taken steps to tighten pressure on Cuba, including revoking visas for those working with Cuba’s medical system and condemning Cuba for re-arresting dissidents. The US State Department has also labelled Cuba as a “not fully cooperating country” under the Arms Export Control Act, limiting its ability to purchase defence tools from the US. Despite the reprimand, the State Department indicated it would continue supporting dissidents against Cuba’s “malign influence”.