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Cuban Americans Demand Castro Ouster as Trump Talks Proceed

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Cuban Americans in Florida are voicing deep disappointment with President Trump's Cuba policy, fearing it falls short of their decades-long demand for regime change. While welcoming the administration's pressure campaign, they insist Castro family members must be ousted from power for any political transformation to occur. The tension highlights a potential rift between Trump and his most ardent Cuban American supporters, who dominate Miami politics and have historically shaped U.S. Cuba policy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, leading the negotiations, faces pressure from hardliners like Mayor Bryan Calvo who declared, 'The Castros have to go.' This stance reflects broader concerns that any deal might stabilize the regime economically without addressing its political foundations. Critics argue Trump's approach risks repeating mistakes seen in Venezuela, where economic concessions failed to yield democratic gains.

The administration's focus on an 'orderly transition' of power, while targeting figures like President Miguel Díaz-Canel, appears insufficient to many exiles. They demand the removal of all Castro-aligned leaders, viewing anything less as 'insane.' This internal conflict could complicate Trump's policy and influence upcoming midterm elections in a region critical to Republican success.

Key figures: Marco Rubio, Miguel Díaz-Canel, Raúl Castro's grandnephew. Locations: Miami, Florida, Cuba. Business implications: Foreign investment plans may proceed without political reform, affecting U.S.-Cuba economic relations.