Journalists from Radio Martí, a U.S. federally-funded news outlet targeting communist Cuba, were conducting an interview with a Cuban activist in Miami when they learned that the Trump administration had ordered its closure. The profile of the activist was subsequently scrapped, and journalists expressed confusion about the sudden termination.
President Trump achieved what the Castro brothers in Cuba couldn’t – shutting down a news outlet that had long angered the communist regime. Radio Martí, established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, aimed to send uncensored news in Spanish to Cuba. Despite its reputation as an outdated boondoggle plagued by scandals, Radio Martí made significant inroads on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube in recent years.
However, the Trump administration’s massive cost-cutting efforts led to the closure of Radio Martí, along with several other programs and agencies. Critics argued that the broadcaster wasted millions of dollars producing one-sided and right-wing screeds against the Cuban government. TV Martí was so heavily blocked on the island that it was nicknamed “NoSee TV.”
Nevertheless, a leaner operation with fresh hires and digital reforms attracted millions of readers and viewers, even as the nation faced economic crises and political dissent. The White House and top Republican officials, including Mario Diaz-Balart and Marco Rubio, hinted at the possibility of restoring the outlet.
Radio Martí’s unique distinction lies in its opposition to a dictatorship still in power, unlike pro-democracy stations like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. According to experts, the operation appeared more professional after several shake-ups and controversies, vastly increasing its audience.
The closure of Radio Martí has sparked debate on the importance of its mission during crucial political, social, and economic crises in Cuba. The Trump administration accuses the agency of massive national security violations, waste, and fraud.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/world/americas/radio-marti-cuba-trump-castro.html
