DeSantis Pushes for Change in Cuba

During a bill signing event on Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his belief that it’s time to “put the Cuban government out to pasture.” He emphasized that, looking towards the future, the “communist dictatorship” in Cuba needs to be dealt with decisively.

“This would be beneficial for our country and for Florida,” he added, signaling a strong stance on the matter.

While DeSantis didn’t directly call for military action from former President Donald Trump to liberate Cuba, his comments suggest that he isn’t the only Republican concerned about the unrest unfolding in Havana.

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DeSantis referenced a new Florida law aimed at restricting companies operating in the state that have dealings with Cuba in violation of U.S. sanctions. “You can’t make deals with criminals,” he remarked.

He also noted that under Trump’s administration, there has been an intensified focus on U.S. interests in the region, suggesting that some level of intervention aligns with the previous administration’s philosophy.

“President Trump has a strong view of our hemisphere’s importance; it really kind of brought back the Monroe Doctrine,” DeSantis explained, alluding to this historical interventionist principle.

Earlier this year, Trump hinted at the possibility of U.S. military action in Cuba, even suggesting that occupying the island could be a “great honor.” He pointed out Cuba’s weakened state, intensified by energy shortages linked to the Venezuelan regime.

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Following military operations that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, unrest has escalated in Cuba. The island, heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil, is grappling with rolling blackouts.

As he signed the Foreign Interference Limitation and Enforcement Act, DeSantis mentioned Florida’s newfound authority to revoke business licenses for companies violating federal laws regarding Cuba.

This legislation specifically empowers local governments to cancel business tax receipts tied to illegal activities with Cuba. “This creates liability for false statements regarding business activities in Cuba,” DeSantis noted, underscoring the seriousness of the law.

When asked for a response to DeSantis’ comments, a White House spokesperson refrained from discussing potential U.S. intervention but reiterated that the administration views Cuba’s government as nearing its end. “Cuba is a failed state that has been mismanaged for years,” the spokesperson stated, hinting at an eventual collapse and the U.S. willingness to assist.