Florida Cuban Americans push Trump for regime change in Cuba amid policy rift

Florida’s influential Cuban American community is pressuring the Trump administration to pursue full regime change in Cuba, backing a ‘Freedom Accord’ that envisions democratic transition, free elections, and accountability after a post–Castro era. Activists argue that economic reforms alone won’t suffice amid corruption, and warn that any deal short of political change could hurt GOP support in South Florida. The White House has sent mixed signals—maintaining sanctions while suggesting some reforms could be acceptable—creating tension with hard-line diaspora voices. Rubio advocates combining economic changes with political shift, but Trump’s stance remains fluid amid broader foreign-policy pressures. Polls cited in the piece show exiles wary of reform and some supportive of stronger action, highlighting the diaspora’s outsized sway on Florida politics and potentially the midterms. Washington must balance pressing Cuba toward reform with migration management and regional reactions as Cuba endures outages and hardships.