DeSantis reaffirms support for Cuban demonstrators

By Ernesto Sampera

Published Jul. 11, 2023, 4:13 p.m. ET | Updated Jul. 11, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking with attendees at the 2022 Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.. July 22, 2022. (Photo/Gage Skidmore)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized his administration’s support for Cuban protestors and criticized the federal government’s response to the demonstrations.

DeSantis highlighted his previous support for demonstrators in Cuba years ago and said Florida “still stands with their fight for freedom.”

“Two years ago, as the people of Cuba took to the streets to demand freedom, I urged President Biden to provide them internet and take a strong stance against the communist dictatorship,” DeSantis said in a tweet.

“Instead, we got silence. Florida still stands with their fight for freedom,” DeSantis said.

In July 2021, DeSantis met with Cuban leaders as demonstrations and protests broke out across Cuba.

In the meeting, DeSantis condemned the Cuban government as a “tyrannical, communist regime.”

“We stand with the people of Cuba. For far too long, a tyrannical communist regime has oppressed its people and used its power to silence any dissidents,” DeSantis said at the time. “Now, the Cuban people are making their voices heard to demand freedom and an end to this dictatorship.”

DeSantis also knocked President Joe Biden over his administration’s response to the situation.

“Still, while the Cuban people are showing tremendous courage, the Biden Administration is showing cowardice,” DeSantis said. “The Biden Administration has been weak in its statements, blaming COVID-19, and not mentioning socialism or communism.”

DeSantis is set to participate in a presidential forum this week and will be the keynote speaker for an event in Nashville hosted by the state GOP on July 25.