Cuban-American Activist Responds to Greta Thunberg on Cuba's Crisis & US Embargo

Kiele Alessandra Cabrera, a Cuban-American student, challenges Thunberg's stance on the U.S. embargo and Cuba's political situation.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Cuban-American woman named Kiele Alessandra Cabrera posted a video on Instagram responding to climate activist Greta Thunberg's recent statements about the U.S. embargo on Cuba and the country's political crisis. In the video, Cabrera directly refutes Thunberg's characterization of the embargo as a 'brutal act of collective punishment' and her support for an international convoy heading to Havana. Cabrera, who describes herself as a defender of freedom, argues that the suffering of the Cuban people is a direct result of mismanagement by the Cuban government, not the U.S. embargo.

Why it matters

Cabrera's response highlights the complex and often polarized perspectives surrounding the political and economic situation in Cuba. Her critique underscores the importance of considering multiple viewpoints when evaluating international issues and the potential for unintended consequences when offering support to specific regimes or policies.

The details

Kiele Alessandra Cabrera is a Cuban-American student at the University of Florida and the wife of a U.S. Military member. She previously gained attention in 2021 when she disrupted a baseball game between Cuba and Venezuela in West Palm Beach, Florida, by running onto the field with a 'Free Cuba' sign. In her recent video, Cabrera directly refutes Thunberg's arguments, stating that the 'Castro regime' and its military apparatus are worth billions, while the average Cuban struggles to find food and survive on a communist rationing system. Cabrera also criticizes Thunberg's support for Cuban medical missions, claiming there is 'ample documentation' that these missions are a cover for state-organized human trafficking.

  • Kiele Alessandra Cabrera posted the video on Instagram on Friday, March 12, 2026.
  • The video was released as protests continued in Cuba following the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant on March 8, 2026, resulting in power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily.

The players

Kiele Alessandra Cabrera

A Cuban-American student at the University of Florida and the wife of a U.S. Military member. She previously gained attention in 2021 for disrupting a baseball game between Cuba and Venezuela in West Palm Beach, Florida, by running onto the field with a 'Free Cuba' sign.

Greta Thunberg

A Swedish climate activist who recently voiced support for an international convoy heading to Havana and characterized the U.S. embargo on Cuba as a 'brutal act of collective punishment'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We necessitate to talk about what is happening in Cuba right now. What we need to discuss is how you, Greta, need to mind your own business and educate yourself about the reality of what is currently happening in Cuba.”

— Kiele Alessandra Cabrera (Instagram)

“Do us all Cubans a favor, Greta, and mind your own business. ¡Viva Cuba Libre!”

— Kiele Alessandra Cabrera (Instagram)

What’s next

As protests continue and international figures weigh in, the role of external support in shaping the future of Cuba remains to be seen.

The takeaway

Cabrera's response highlights the complex and often polarized perspectives surrounding the political and economic situation in Cuba, underscoring the importance of considering multiple viewpoints when evaluating international issues and the potential for unintended consequences when offering support to specific regimes or policies.