A group of Cubans protested this Wednesday on a Miami highway in response to a billboard that compares former President Donald Trump, who is also a Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election, with the deceased Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.
The controversy erupted over the billboard's message, which reads: "No to dictators, no to Trump," accompanied by images of Castro and Trump, reported the EFE news agency.
The group Hispanos por América, upset by the comparison, organized a protest on Wednesday afternoon on the Palmetto Expressway, south of Miami, to express their rejection of the advertisement promoted by the political action committee (PAC) Mad Dog.
Protesters considered the advertisement a serious offense. "It is a disrespect from the Democrats towards the personality and dignity of our president Donald Trump," expressed the participants, highlighting their discontent with equating Trump with Castro, a symbol of oppression for many Cuban exiles.
The billboard, strategically placed alongside a busy highway, has sparked a wave of outrage among Miami's Cuban exile community.
The PAC Mad Dog, known for its provocative campaigns, has installed similar advertisements in several key states ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. These billboards include messages in English such as "Loser," "It’s a Cult," and "Unfit."
Claude Taylor, founder of the committee, explained to the local NBC channel that their "mission is to defeat Donald Trump by exposing the truth about him."
Taylor noted on the social media platform X this Wednesday: "Hate our billboard? Guess what? This country is still free," in response to Trump supporters who have demanded the billboard's removal.
Additionally, in an ironic twist, he urged those who protested the billboard to contribute to making one about Nicolás Maduro, the current president of Venezuela.
These billboards are primarily aimed at swing states for the November elections, such as Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, where the outcome could be decisive for the re-election of Trump or current President Joe Biden, both contenders in the presidential race.
The comparison with Fidel Castro, a leader who evokes intense emotions among Cuban exiles, has ignited the spark of the protests, pointed out the EFE agency.
Many see Trump as a defender of freedom and democracy, in contrast to Castro's authoritarian regime that forced so many to flee Cuba, noted EFE.
This cultural and political conflict continues to fuel tensions in Miami, reflecting the deep polarization characterizing the current American political landscape.
FAQs on Miami Protests Over Trump and Castro Billboard
In light of the recent protests in Miami over a controversial billboard comparing Donald Trump and Fidel Castro, here are some frequently asked questions to provide clarity on the issue.
Why are Cubans in Miami protesting?
Cubans in Miami are protesting a billboard that compares former President Donald Trump with the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. The message on the billboard, seen as offensive by many, reads: "No to dictators, no to Trump."
Who organized the protest against the billboard?
The protest was organized by the group Hispanos por América, which was upset by the comparison made on the billboard.
What is PAC Mad Dog's role in this controversy?
PAC Mad Dog, known for its provocative campaigns, is responsible for the billboard. They have placed similar advertisements in several key states ahead of the presidential elections.
What has been the response from Claude Taylor, founder of Mad Dog PAC?
Claude Taylor defended the billboard, stating that their mission is to defeat Donald Trump by exposing the truth about him. He also noted that the country remains free, despite the controversy.