Recent trips by progressive U.S. lawmakers to Cuba have sparked controversy and criticism from Republican counterparts. GOP Florida Representative Gimenez criticized Representatives Jayapal and Omar for visiting Cuba, labeling them as apologists for the dictatorial regime that has been in power for over 60 years. Similarly, Representative Carlos emphasized the importance of keeping Cuba on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism, citing the regime's history of oppression, violence, and labeling it a 'murderous regime' that has killed thousands and forced millions into exile. Amidst these criticisms, a former U.S. Ambassador to Cuba was accused and pleaded guilty to spying for the Communist country, described as a 'murderous dictatorship.' Despite the backlash and being labeled 'anti-American' for their 'secret trip,' Representatives Omar and Jayapal defended their visit, urging President Biden to reconsider Cuba's designation on the terrorism list, arguing that the label is a 'cruel and counterproductive policy' with 'no merit' and a 'political trap set by Trump.' Their stance is part of a broader call among some Democrats to ease restrictions on relations with Cuba, despite the ongoing human rights concerns highlighted by their critics.
Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., who just returned from Cuba, called on the Biden administration to ease restrictions on relations with the Communist-ruled island. https://t.co/Sux0Tq8KSU
"Progressives defend Cuba trip as 'productive' amid GOP backlash." (via @politico) https://t.co/JOMkTh6B6r
Progressives defend Cuba trip as 'productive' amid GOP backlash https://t.co/WCxpFM5EOV
🚨Reps. @RepJayapal & @Ilhan secretly met with murderous dictatorship in #Cuba that has terrorized my native homeland for the past 65 years. Now, they’re doing the Communist regime’s bidding & lobbying on their behalf — they’ve been caught red-handed. https://t.co/Ee7fh5WGbU
The Squad wanted open borders. They demonize law enforcement. Their Green New Deal would destroy our economy. Now they pay undisclosed visits to our adversaries. The Cuban regime is NOT our friend. The Cuban regime violates human rights. The Cuban people DESERVE to live freely. https://t.co/KD0zNIUNEg
'Squad' Democrats roasted as 'communist sympathizers' after secret trip to Cuba: 'Anti-American' https://t.co/JIxySV1whK
On top of being in bed with our adversaries, the Communist Cuban regime jails, abuses, and withholds basic necessities from their people. Anti-American Members of Congress who prop up its murderous regime should STAY there. https://t.co/zyLn03hDYU
⚠️ PROGRESSIVE US DEMOCRATS DEFEND CUBA TRIP, WILL SEEK CHANGES (Reuters) Two Democratic U.S. lawmakers who just returned from Cuba pushed back against Republicans' criticism of the trip, calling on President Joe Biden's administration to ease restrictions on relations with the… https://t.co/jGAnA8xdpr
Rep. Ilhan Omar called on President Biden to step out of the “political trap” set by Trump and take Cuba off the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, whose designation was a “cruel and counterproductive policy” that has “no merit.” https://t.co/nOX5VRJ8tP
Rep. Ilhan Omar called on President Biden to step out of the “political trap” set by Trump and take Cuba off the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, whose designation was a “cruel and counterproductive policy” that has “no merit”. https://t.co/nOX5VRJ8tP
.@Ilhan & Communist Sympathizers visited Cuba to advocate for its removal from the state sponsors of terrorism list as Cuba harbors American cop-killers & terrorists, allows our adversaries to operate spy bases 90 miles from our shores & tortures, jails and kills its own people. https://t.co/x8pcVCc9rt
Republican lawmakers slammed two progressive House "Squad" members for recently visiting communist Cuba. https://t.co/1VhiM1V8J8
Days after her secret trip to Havana, first disclosed by the @MiamiHerald, Rep. Omar urges the Biden administration to remove #Cuba from the list of sponsors of terrorism. https://t.co/sKQtH9Gj8p
🚨NEW: Former US ambassador accused of spying for Communist #Cuba pleads guilty to charges. Communist Cuba is a murderous dictatorship that will stop at nothing to undermine the United States & the free world. The Castro regime must end! https://t.co/pHDGXNk3OW
🚨Communist #Cuba must remain on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Recently, Members of Congress travelled to my native Cuba to meet with the murderous regime that has killed thousands & forced millions more into exile. There is no negotiating with these pathetic thugs.
1) GOP FL Rep Gimenez on progressives Jayapal/Omar going to Cuba: I'm offended..they're apologists, for a, dictatorial regime that has been in power for over 60 years. No free elections, no free press, no freedom of religion...I'm sure, gave them all kinds of assurances.