Sen. Cruz Discusses Fidel Castro’s Death and Future U.S.-Cuban Policy on ABC's 'This Week'

Sunday I appeared on ABC’s This Week to discuss the death of Cuba’s longtime oppressive dictator Fidel Castro and the future of U.S.-Cuban relations.

This is a powerful moment for people all across the country, and especially for Cuban Americans. I was with my dad when he found out the news that Fidel Castro was dead, and he simply said, ‘Praise God.’ For so many of us whose families had been in prison, had been tortured, had seen the destruction of Cuba that Castro carried out… it is thankful he is no longer with us.

What the Obama administration has done is strengthen Raul Castro. Raul is the dictator now. I asked my dad at dinner last night, "What do you think happens now that Fidel is dead?" And he shrugged and said, "Raul has been in charge for years. The system has gotten stronger." What Obama has done is funneled billions of dollars to Raul Castro, which is being used to oppress dissidents. In 2016, roughly 10,000 political arrests occurred in Cuba – that is five times as many as occurred in 2010, when there were only about 2,000.

This tyrannical regime has gotten stronger because of a weak president and weak foreign policy. It is very much my hope and belief that with a new president coming into office in January, President Trump and a new administration, that U.S. foreign policy, not just to Cuba but towards our enemies, whether they are Iran or North Korea, will no longer be a policy of weakness and appeasement, but instead using U.S. strength to force and press for change.

Watch the full interview below: