U.S. Condemns 'Intimidation Tactics' Against Diplomat
The United States has formally accused Cuba of interfering with the diplomatic activities of its senior envoy in Havana, U.S. Charge d'Affaires Mike Hammer. The accusation follows reports and videos showing groups of Cubans verbally harassing Hammer during his engagements with residents and Catholic Church representatives in areas outside the capital. The U.S. State Department, through its Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, labeled these actions as 'failed intimidation tactics' and demanded that Havana cease 'sending individuals to interfere with the diplomatic work' of the U.S. mission.
Incidents Reported in Provincial Areas
The alleged harassment occurred during Hammer's visits to provincial regions, including Camagüey and Trinidad. Videos circulated online depict small groups of individuals confronting the diplomat, shouting various slogans. Hammer himself posted a video describing an incident on Saturday, January 31, 2026, where he stated, 'When I left the parish, a few communists, surely frustrated by how bad the revolution is going, shouted obscenities at me.' Subsequent videos showed groups chanting 'Assassin!' and 'Imperialist!' at Hammer, with some occurrences taking place during nighttime blackouts.
Diplomatic Background and Cuban Response
Mike Hammer, a career diplomat who arrived in Cuba in late 2024, has been actively meeting with political dissidents, religious leaders, and members of civil society across the island. Cuban authorities, however, have accused Hammer of attempting to incite unrest and undermine the state. The Cuban Foreign Ministry had previously lodged complaints against Hammer, describing his behavior as 'interventionist' and alleging he incited Cubans 'to commit crimes and attack the state.' The Cuban government has not yet issued a direct comment on the recent heckling incidents.
Escalating U.S.-Cuba Tensions
These incidents unfold against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba. U.S. President Donald Trump recently declared Cuba 'an unusual and extraordinary threat' to U.S. national security. President Trump also announced intentions to impose tariffs on any country supplying oil to the communist-run Caribbean nation, further tightening economic pressure. Despite the strong rhetoric, Trump suggested that negotiations remain a possibility, stating, 'I think we're going to make a deal with Cuba,' while also referring to Cuba as 'a failing nation.'
5 Comments
Africa
This just proves Cuba can't handle open dialogue. They resort to bullying.
Coccinella
The U.S. constantly interferes in other countries. This is just blowback from their own policies.
Muchacho
The reports of shouting and aggressive behavior against the diplomat are concerning and reflect a breakdown in communication. Yet, the article also highlights the Trump administration's harsh stance and economic pressures, which undoubtedly contribute to such hostile environments.
ZmeeLove
Typical communist thuggery. The U.S. is absolutely right to call them out on this.
Habibi
While harassing diplomats is certainly not productive, the U.S. envoy's active engagement with dissidents inevitably provokes a strong reaction from the Cuban government. Both sides bear some responsibility for the escalating rhetoric.