Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has denounced the recent summit convened by U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, labeling it as a 'small, reactionary and neocolonialist' event. The meeting included leaders from right-wing governments across Latin America, and Díaz-Canel highlighted that it imposes an expectation for these nations to consent to the lethal use of U.S. military force to address their internal challenges and maintain order. This response, according to him, reinforces neocolonialist dynamics as it places U.S. interests above the sovereignty of Latin American countries.

During the summit, Trump urged participating Latin American states to engage militarily against drug cartels, which he described as a pervasive 'cancer.' He proposed enhancing U.S. support through missile strikes targeting drug barons in the region, a stance that not only reflects his aggressive strategy towards organized crime but also situates the U.S. as a dominant force in dictating responses to local issues. Trump's comments regarding Cuba, which he described as surviving its 'last moments,' further stressed his administration's commitment to confront communist regimes in the Western Hemisphere.

The summit also saw the announcement of a 17-nation 'antiband coalition,' aimed at combating drug trafficking and organized crime, as envisioned by the White House. This coalition symbolizes Trump's broader strategy of galvanizing regional allies around shared security concerns while potentially sidelining progressive governments in Latin America. The implications of such partnerships could lead to escalating tensions, especially with nations that oppose U.S. influence and military interventions, thus signaling a fractious chapter in U.S.-Latin American relations.