Washington scolds Cuba after crowds heckle U.S. diplomat

The United States accused Cuba of interfering with the work of its top diplomat in Havana on Sunday (1 February) after small groups of Cubans jeered at him during meetings with residents and church representatives.

Amid rising tensions between the two countries, the U.S. State Department accused the Cuban government on social media of using “failed intimidation tactics.”

It also demanded that Havana stop “sending individuals to interfere with the diplomatic work” of U.S. Charge d’Affaires Mike Hammer.

Friction has intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump last week declared Cuba “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and warned of tariffs on any country supplying oil to the communist-run island.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday (31 January), Trump described Cuba as “a failing nation” but said he believed the two sides could reach an agreement.

“I think we’re going to make a deal with Cuba,” he told reporters.

Hammer, a career diplomat who arrived in Cuba in late 2024, has travelled widely across the island to meet political dissidents, Catholic Church representatives and others. Cuban authorities accuse him of seeking to foment unrest, a claim the U.S. Embassy denies.

On Saturday (31 January), Hammer posted a video describing alleged harassment after leaving a meeting with local church leaders.

“When I left the parish, a few communists, surely frustrated by how bad the revolution is going, shouted obscenities at me,” he said.

Subsequent videos showed small groups during nighttime blackouts taunting Hammer with shouts of “Assassin!” and “Imperialist!” 

Oil supply pressure and regional impact

Trump has also warned that the U.S. could impose tariffs on countries continuing to supply Cuba with oil, part of a broader campaign to tighten economic pressure on the island.

• Mexico weighs diplomatic path as U.S. tariffs threaten Cuba oil lifeline
• U.S. threatens tariffs on any nation supplying Cuba with oil
• Trump urges Cuba to strike deal with U.S., warns of oil and money cutoff

Reuters has reported that Mexico, now Cuba’s top oil supplier after Venezuelan deliveries fell sharply, is reviewing whether to continue shipments amid concerns over U.S. retaliation.

Cuba is facing worsening fuel shortages, frequent power outages and a deepening economic crisis, drawing renewed international attention to the humanitarian impact of U.S. sanctions and regional energy disruptions.

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Politics Trump Cuba Oil United States Washington tarrifs Mike Hammer