Trump's swift closure of Radio Marti stirs Cuban discourse
The closure of the information station Radio Marti, which opposes the Cuban communist regime, is something the Castro brothers could not accomplish, but which Donald Trump did in a few days, comments the "New York Times." This is another result of the reduction in American financial aid.
What do you need to know?
- Radio Marti, a station opposed to the Cuban regime, was closed by Donald Trump's administration.
- The website, as well as the television and radio signals of the station in Cuba, were blocked, although the message still reaches through social media.
- Mauricio Claver-Carone, advisor to the U.S. president, has expressed hope for saving the station, highlighting its historical significance.
The closure of Radio Marti, a station opposing the Cuban regime, has sparked widespread reactions. The "New York Times" emphasizes that what the Castro brothers could not achieve in 40 years, Donald Trump accomplished in a few days.
Station employees have reported that its website and the television and radio signals in Cuba have been blocked. Nonetheless, the message still reaches the people of Cuba via social media.
Does Radio Marti have a chance of returning?
Mauricio Claver-Carone, the U.S. president's advisor on Latin American affairs, has expressed hope for saving the station.
"I think you can appreciate the historic importance of something and the role it plays while recognizing it needs to be updated toward the world we live in — it’s not the 80s anymore or the 90s or even early 2000s," he stated. Mario Diaz-Balart, a Cuban-American member of Congress, announced his cooperation with the U.S. president to restore Radio Marti.
Radio Marti, established in 1983 during Ronald Reagan's presidency, was criticized for "ineffective propaganda" and corrupt practices. A 2019 audit accused the station of low-level journalism and hiring relatives. Nevertheless, in recent years, its listenership has increased, with 80 per cent of its audience coming from Cuba. The "New York Times" notes that unlike other stations that have been closed, Radio Marti was directed against a specific dictatorship that still remains in power.
