Donald Trump, Obama & More Politicians React to Fidel Castro’s Death

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Donald Trump on November 22. (Getty)

President-elect Donald Trump reacted to Saturday’s news that Cuban dictator Fidel Castro died at age 90 with a simple tweet. He just wrote, “Fidel Castro is dead!” at 8:08 a.m., offering no other thoughts. Over two hours later, Trump did issue a longer statement.

Trump’s first tweet was in stark contrast with other politicians, who have already issued longer statements on Castro. President Barack Obama also issued a much longer statement.

Here is Trump’s longer statement. in it, he calls Castro a “brutal dictator,” adding that his legacy is “one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights.”

In his statement, Obama offered his condolences to the Castro family and mentioned how his administration has tried to warm relations between the U.S. and Cuba. “History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him,” Obama wrote.

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Weeks before his death, Castro commented on the presidential campaign between Trump and Hillary Clinton. Before their second debate, Castro wrote in an article published in Cuba that Trump was “left discredited” after the first debate.

In September, Newsweek published a report on Trump’s alleged dealings in Cuba, citing documents that show Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts spending $68,000 in 1998 through a consulting firm with business interests. That was while the U.S. trade embargo was still on.

During the presidential campaign, Trump was critical of President Barack Obama’s decision to open up trade and relations with Cuba. Trump has said that he will “probably” continue relations, but wants a better deal.

“The agreement President Obama signed is a very weak agreement. We get nothing,” Trump told CBS Miami in October. “The people of Cuba get nothing and I would do whatever is necessary to get a good agreement. An agreement is fine. It has to be a strong, good agreement that’s good for the Cuban people.”

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Fidel Castro and Jimmy Carter in 2002. (Getty)

Compared to Trump’s statement, former President Jimmy Carter issued a much longer comment about hiw he “fondly” remembered visiting Cuba.

Rosalynn and I share our sympathies with the Castro family and the Cuban people on the death of Fidel Castro. We remember fondly our visits with him in Cuba and his love of his country. We wish the Cuban citizens peace and prosperity in the years ahead.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, whose father was born in Cuba, said today was a day to honor those who fought Castro’s brutal Communist dictatorship.

Fidel Castro’s death cannot bring back his thousands of victims, nor can it bring comfort to their families. Today we remember them and honor the brave souls who fought the lonely fight against the brutal Communist dictatorship he imposed on Cuba.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrinch, a staunch Trump supporter, called praise of Castro “tragic.”

Florida Senator Marco Rubio reminded people that the Castro regime is still in place. Both of Rubio’s parents fled the Castro regime.

House Speaker Paul Ryan called for the end of the Castro regime.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush was stunned to see Obama’s statement not mentioning the suffering Castro caused.

Trump’s first statement also paled in comparison to the lengthy one issued by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which made little reference to Castro’s human rights record.

“While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for ‘el Comandante,'” Trudeeau said. “I know my father was very proud to call him a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away. It was also a real honour to meet his three sons and his brother President Raúl Castro during my recent visit to Cuba.”