As Trump's influence grows, Ecuador expels all Cuban diplomats

Diplomatic tensions in the Latin American region have escalated after Ecuador’s government unexpectedly expelled Cuban Ambassador Basilio Gutierrez and the entire Cuban diplomatic staff. The decision came amid debate over U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for a ‘friendly takeover’ of Cuba. The Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry, under President Daniel Noboa, declared the Cuban diplomats persona non grata on 4 March local time. While Quito did not provide a specific justification, the move has been widely viewed as a demonstration of loyalty by President Noboa to his close ally, Trump. Previously, Trump signalled that Washington intends to intensify pressure, even hinting at annexation or direct control over Cuba for regional security interests. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla issued a strong response on X, saying: ‘The decision is not a coincidence, taken amid intensified U.S. aggression toward Cuba and strong pressure from that government on third countries to join in this policy.’ Cuba believes the expulsion results from direct U.S. pressure on neighboring Latin American countries to isolate Havana completely. As of now, Ecuador has not confirmed whether the move will extend to formal severance of diplomatic ties.