Key facts
- The US State Department released a report accusing Cuba of a "campaign of subversion" and "leftwing terrorism".
- Several left-leaning activists and organizations were named as "front groups and fellow travelers" for Cuba.
- The report labels Cuba the "capital of 21st-century communism".
- The Trump administration has increased its criticism of Cuba and imposed new sanctions.
- The US has maintained a long-standing economic embargo and sanctions against Cuba.
The U.S. State Department has issued a strong denunciation of Cuba, labeling it the "capital of 21st-century communism" and accusing it of conducting a "campaign of subversion" that has allegedly infiltrated American institutions and supported "leftwing terrorism." The department's 100-page report names several prominent left-leaning activists and organizations, including Hasan Piker, Amazon Labor Union founder Chris Smalls, the Democratic Socialists of America, Isra Hirsi (daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar), New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and journalist Amy Goodman, as "front groups and fellow travelers" for Cuba.
The report claims Cuba's efforts are designed to "turn America against itself," with the Democratic Socialists of America highlighted for its "fierce, almost religious commitment to the cause of the Cuban regime." This messaging aligns with recent rhetoric from President Trump, who has frequently invoked communism in his political engagements.
These accusations and the release of the report coincide with further sanctions imposed by the State Department, led by Marco Rubio, targeting Cuba's tourism ministry and state-owned companies. This action is part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to counter what it describes as Cuba's "malign activities." For over six decades, the U.S. has maintained a comprehensive economic embargo and sanctions against Cuba, which Havana and international critics argue have severely impacted the island's economy and population, contributing to recent nationwide blackouts.