(LibertySociety.com) – Cuba considers expelling top U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer after issuing a formal warning about his “interventionist” behavior, further straining already tense relations with the Trump administration.
At a Glance
- Cuba’s foreign ministry issued a verbal warning to U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer, accusing him of “interventionist” behavior that violates diplomatic norms
- Cuban officials claim Hammer’s meetings with political dissidents and families of prisoners are attempts to foment unrest
- Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío has not ruled out expelling Hammer, whom he labeled a “subversive agent”
- The U.S. State Department defended Hammer, stating he represents Trump’s “America First” foreign policy
- Tensions occur amid Cuba’s economic downturn and recent U.S. sanctions, including Cuba’s return to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list
Diplomatic Confrontation Escalates
The communist regime in Cuba has escalated its confrontation with the United States by formally warning the top U.S. diplomat in Havana that his actions violate diplomatic protocols. Mike Hammer, who has served as chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy since November 2024, stands accused of “interventionist” behavior that Cuban officials claim undermines the country’s sovereignty. The foreign ministry specifically cited Hammer’s meetings with political dissidents and families of political prisoners as evidence of his attempts to incite unrest and criminal activity against Cuban authorities.
“The immunity he enjoys as a representative of his country cannot be used as cover for acts contrary to the sovereignty and internal order of the country to which he is accredited, in this case Cuba”
Cuban officials have invoked the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to support their accusations. Despite these restrictions, Hammer has continued to travel throughout Cuba, meeting with locals and sharing their stories on social media. This freedom of movement has particularly irritated the regime, which views his activities as deliberate provocations orchestrated by the U.S. government to destabilize Cuba during its severe economic crisis.
Potential Expulsion Threat
In a significant escalation, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío publicly acknowledged that the government is considering expelling Hammer from the country. This rare threat against a high-ranking American diplomat underscores the growing tension between the two nations. Fernández de Cossío’s characterization of Hammer as a “subversive agent” signals Cuba’s increasing frustration with what it perceives as American interference in domestic affairs during a period of economic hardship.
“With regards to the diplomat [Hammer], we are not going to rule out any action insofar as we think that what he is doing is dangerous, if we come to that conclusion — which we have not — and insofar as we pay close attention to what he is doing,” Fernández de Cossío said.”
The timing of this diplomatic confrontation is particularly notable as it follows Hammer’s recent announcement of potential additional U.S. sanctions against Cuba. The Cuban government, already struggling under existing American restrictions, views these threats as part of a broader campaign to undermine the communist regime that has ruled the island since 1959. Officials in Havana attribute much of the country’s economic struggles to the longstanding U.S. embargo.
U.S. Response and Broader Context
The U.S. State Department has firmly defended Hammer’s activities, framing them as consistent with America’s diplomatic mission and values. American officials maintain that engaging with Cuban citizens, including political dissidents and religious leaders, is a legitimate function of diplomatic representation. They further assert that Hammer’s work reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to holding the Cuban regime accountable for what it describes as “malign influence” throughout the Americas.
“Chief of Mission Mike Hammer and the U.S. Embassy proudly represent President Trump by implementing an America First foreign policy and seeking accountability for the Cuban regime for its malign influence across the Americas”.
This diplomatic standoff occurs against the backdrop of significant policy shifts by the Trump administration, which has reversed many Obama-era openings toward Cuba. Recent actions include reinstating Cuba to the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism and imposing strict travel limitations. Cuban officials claim they have anticipated potential hardline measures following Trump’s return to office and are preparing strategies to withstand new sanctions without taking hostile actions against the United States or its citizens.
Cuba’s Strategic Response
Despite the heated rhetoric, Cuban officials maintain they seek to preserve channels of communication with Washington. Fernández de Cossío emphasized that Cuba intends to resist American pressure through creative means rather than direct confrontation. The communist government appears to be walking a careful line – standing firm against what it considers American interference while avoiding actions that might provoke even more severe sanctions or diplomatic isolation.
“History has shown that every time they have a period like the current one, when they believe that their goal of overthrowing the Cuban government and destroying the Cuban revolution is near, they rush into action pretending that this is the step they need to take,” Fernández de Cossío said.”
The State Department has made it clear that regardless of Cuban objections, American diplomats will continue their outreach efforts. This stance suggests that the fundamental disagreement about the appropriate role of foreign diplomats in Cuba will persist, potentially leading to further diplomatic confrontations in the months ahead as both nations adhere to their respective positions.
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