In a game-changing move, President Joe Biden pulled no punches, branding communism a ‘failed system’ during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The declaration comes on the heels of mounting pressure from conservatives and Florida Democrats, who accused Biden of tepid support for Cuban protesters. Biden’s forceful stance defied the White House’s earlier measured response to the protests that swept Cuba due to food shortages and power outages. The President refrained from directly labeling the government as ‘communist,’ opting instead to condemn its ‘authoritative regime.’
Biden acknowledged that his administration had several strategies to aid the Cuban people, but concerns loomed over the communist-led government’s potential control over aid distribution. The government’s decision to sever internet access added to the crisis, sparking speculation that the blackout was deliberately orchestrated during the protests. In response, Biden revealed that his administration was exploring technological solutions to restore internet access.
Florida’s Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, a potential contender for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, had written to Biden, urging federal assistance in providing internet access to Cuba. DeSantis argued that the loss of communication hindered not only the Cuban people but also the world’s understanding of the situation. He called for necessary authorizations and funding to bolster internet connectivity on the island.
DeSantis doubled down on his criticism of the Cuban government during a press conference in Miami, stressing the importance of enabling Cubans to communicate and share the truth about their plight. He emphasized that totalitarian regimes feared the power of truth the most, making unrestricted communication a decisive factor. DeSantis urged Biden to take a resolute stance.
The crisis in Cuba, intensified by the pandemic, economic inefficiencies, and U.S. sanctions, led Biden to break his silence and denounce communism unequivocally. The President’s strong words and potential plans to aid Cuba mark a significant shift in his approach and signal a heightened focus on supporting the Cuban people’s quest for freedom.
