Trump and Cuba

Mike Hammer is the US Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Havana, originally appointed during the Biden administration. He has spent over 15 months in Cuba, traveling to different provinces and meeting with ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs, and activists. His presence in the country generated friction with the Cuban regime, which organized acts of repudiation to obstruct his work.

In an interview with Spain's ABC newspaper published February 22, 2026, Hammer stated: 'I would say yes, there will be a change. In what form? We'll see.' He also said 'the change is approaching' and noted that there are people inside the Cuban regime who recognize that 'the project is coming to an end.'

Yes. Hammer confirmed that there are communications between the Trump administration and 'certain people' inside the Cuban regime. In his words: 'Within the Cuban system there are individuals who realize that the project is finishing and may be interested in making a change they see as necessary.' This expands on what President Trump himself had suggested days earlier.

Yes. Hammer confirmed that different scenarios have been developed for a transition to a free Cuba, aimed at avoiding chaos and allowing the country to rebuild. He said there is international goodwill to support that reconstruction and that the process 'will take some time,' but it will happen 'in a way that will surprise us, very much so.'

The DHS proposal extends the eligibility period to 365 days from the filing of the asylum application, double the current 180-day period.