This past weekend, Cuba’s government warned Mike Hammer, the U.S. Ambassador to Havana, claiming he had been involved in “interference and unfriendly behavior.”
Since November 2024, Hammer has led the U.S. Embassy in Havana, representing American diplomatic interests on the island. Notably, the U.S. hasn’t had a Cuban ambassador for over six decades, coinciding with the rise of the communist Castro regime.
Recently, Hammer, who is fluent in Spanish, traveled across Cuba to engage with local residents, political activists, and even families of political prisoners. His mission allowed him to hear firsthand the aspirations and concerns of the Cuban people. Through these encounters, some citizens were able to share their cultural and religious practices with American officials. Cubans interested in meeting Hammer can contact the U.S. Embassy directly. He mentioned receiving a warm welcome from many in his visits.
However, his outreach has angered the Castro government. U.S. diplomats were labeled as “agents of destruction” following their accusations against Hammer.
On Friday, Cuba’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal protest, accusing Hammer of “interventionist” behavior and suggesting that U.S. diplomats were inciting Cubans to commit severe crimes against the government. The Cuban administration did not provide evidence for these claims against the American diplomats.
The Director of Bilateral Affairs at the Foreign Ministry conveyed this protest to Hammer.
“The note stated that Hammer’s actions could incite citizens to engage in significant criminal acts and opposed the constitutional order,” he emphasized, urging support for cooperation and reconciliation.
The ministry also remarked that Hammer’s immunity as a diplomat should not shield him from actions that infringe on a host nation’s sovereignty.
This came after Hammer’s visit to the tomb of Jose Marti in Santiago de Cuba to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Cuban independence, which is on May 20th. The Castro regime does not acknowledge this day, instead forcing Cubans to celebrate July 26, connected to Fidel Castro’s actions in 1953.
Hammer’s Marti visit seemed to confuse the Castro leadership, especially after he quoted Marti during his visit.
In its memorandum, the ministry criticized Hammer’s comments on the national hero.
In response, the U.S. State Department highlighted that the challenges faced by Cubans are due to Cuba’s own corrupt policies, not American influence.
State Department representatives defended Hammer’s outreach, asserting it aligns with a policy of holding the Cuban administration accountable for its detrimental impacts across the Americas.
They reaffirmed their commitment to meeting with Cuban leaders and citizens championing freedom within Cuba.
Before the formal protest, Hammer stated that he plans to continue engaging with Cubans. He noted that he has never condemned the local people but has criticized the longstanding claims by the government regarding U.S. interference.
Hammer also expressed concerns about the regime’s attempts to disrupt his meetings with Cubans. He observed that authorities and online activists were inciting disruptions during his visits.
“We support the Cuban people who advocate for freedom of expression, assembly, religion, and the press. That’s why we engage directly with ordinary Cubans,” Hammer said. “However, there’s a pervasive atmosphere of surveillance. Cameras seem to be everywhere, and I worry that extremists are being encouraged to disrupt my activities.”
