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US State Department attacks left-leaning groups over Cuba ties

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The U.S. State Department accused several American activists and organizations of being "front groups and fellow travelers" for Cuba.
  • A 100-page report labels Cuba the "capital of 21st-century communism" and alleges a "campaign of subversion" targeting the U.S.
  • The report singles out left-leaning figures and groups critical of U.S. policy toward Cuba, including the Democratic Socialists of America.

The U.S. State Department has intensified its criticism of left-leaning groups by labeling several American activists and organizations as "front groups and fellow travelers" for Cuba. This move, part of the Trump administration's broader attacks on progressive movements, was detailed in a 100-page report released Monday.

capital of 21st-century communism

— US State Department reportThe report's characterization of Cuba.

The report denounces Cuba as the "capital of 21st-century communism," accusing the Cuban government of orchestrating a "campaign of subversion" designed to undermine the United States. It alleges this campaign has "infiltrated the highest reaches of the U.S. government, recruited and cultivated generations of American activists [and] backed an unprecedented wave of leftwing terrorism on American soil."

Several prominent left-leaning figures and organizations were specifically named. These include Hasan Piker, Amazon Labor Union founder Chris Smalls, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Isra Hirsi (daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar), New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and journalist Amy Goodman. The report cites their criticism of U.S. policy toward Cuba or their participation in Cuba solidarity movements as evidence.

campaign of subversion

— US State Department reportThe report's accusation regarding Cuba's alleged actions.

The report describes the DSA as a "potent illustration of the ideological victory of Cuba's effort to position itself as the spiritual capital of Third Worldist radicalism." It claims the group's commitment to the Cuban regime is not due to direct control by Cuban agents but has become the "de facto policy orthodoxy on the American far left."

designed to turn America against itself

— US State Department reportThe alleged purpose of Cuba's campaign.

This report follows recent actions by the State Department, led by Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of Cuba's government. The department recently imposed further sanctions on Cuba, targeting its tourism ministry and state-owned companies. Rubio has long advocated for "maximum pressure" on Havana, arguing that easing sanctions only strengthens the communist government. He has consistently accused Cuban authorities of repressing dissent and fueling regional violence.

serves as a particularly potent illustration of the ideological victory of Cuba’s effort to position itself as the spiritual capital of Third Worldist radicalism

— US State Department reportThe report's description of the Democratic Socialists of America.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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