Cuba — Honor Flight — fraud — tech — brains — safe spaces

Taking Cuba?

Could communism soon collapse in Cuba?

President Donald Trump, during an Oval Office gaggle, suggested change could occur quickly as he discussed several ramifications.

“I think Cuba sees the end,” Trump told Fox News’ Peter Doocy. “You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it? I do believe I’ll be having the honor of taking Cuba. That’d be good. It’s a big honor, taking Cuba.”

That word “taking” drew immediate follow-up, but Trump didn’t offer much clarity on what that might mean. “Whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth,” he said. “They’re a very weakened nation right now. They were, for a long time.”

The same evening as the remarks, The New York Times reported that the U.S. may be in talks to depose the communist government, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, but take no action against members of the late dictator Fidel Castro’s family. The Miami Herald has reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had engaged in informal talks with Raúl Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, Fidel’s grandson.

But Trump, in his remarks, took swipes at Fidel and his brother Raúl Castro, who served as Cuba’s President from 2008 to 2018, and who many still consider the most powerful political figure on the island.

“Castro was a very violent leader. His brother’s a very violent leader. Extremely violent,” Trump said. “That’s how they governed. With violence. But a lot of people would like to go back.”

Trump suggested some major figures in Florida’s political world, such as members of the Fanjul family, led by Cuban-born Alfonso and José Fanjul, personally expressed a desire to visit Cuba again.

It’s unclear when that may happen, but the Cuban Americans representing Florida in Congress sense it could occur soon. Rep. Carlos Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican, suggested a transition from communism could arrive within weeks.

“I am the only member of Congress born in Cuba & I fully support President Trump’s actions against the regime in Havana,” he posted on X. “It would ABSOLUTELY be a great honor for the President to take the island and liberate it!”

Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart declined to offer a concrete transition period. But he said there was reason for optimism. He long suggested that if Trump stayed in power from 2021 through 2025, the Cuban government would have collapsed during that time.

“I never predict timelines, but I’m convinced that the regime will not survive this Trump term, as I have stated in the past,” he told Florida Politics.

Flight of honor

More than 120 Florida veterans, all women, were part of a Flight of Honor to the nation’s Capital. Sen. Ashley Moody greeted many during a gathering at the Lincoln Memorial.

“Our freedom exists because of the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces,” the Plant City Republican said.

“Today, I had the privilege of welcoming a group of Florida veterans as they toured the national memorials honoring their service. This extraordinary group of all-female service members shared powerful stories from their time defending our nation. Though we can never fully repay them for their sacrifice, it was an honor to meet them and offer my heartfelt thanks.”

The group hailed from Lakeland and included women from every branch of service, ranging in age from 32 to 91.

On the steps of the memorial, veterans thanked Moody for supporting several policies important to veterans. But she stressed to the women, “This is my honor, my privilege. Thank you so much for your service.”

To watch the all-female Flight of Honor, please click the image below:

Fraud oversight

As Vice President JD Vance launches an anti-fraud task force focused on misspending of government dollars, Sen. Rick Scott urged him to focus on the nation’s largest state: California. Scott spotlighted an area he has scrutinized from his perch as Chair of the Senate Aging Select Committee: the response to the Palisades fire.

“Despite receiving billions in federal taxpayer dollars for wildfire mitigation, California continues to experience historic wildfires, including the devastating Pacific Palisades Fire last January,” the Naples Republican wrote in a letter to Vance.

“After visiting the Pacific Palisades last year and seeing the damage and hearing from victims firsthand, Sen. Ron Johnson, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and I were shocked by the failures of California’s state and local officials to prepare and combat the fire, keep residents safe, and aid in their recovery. As a result, we immediately began an investigation.”

The fires happened under the watch of Gov. Gavin Newsom, a top Democratic contender for President in 2028. Vance and Scott have also both sharply criticized social services spending in another Democratic state, Minnesota, led by Gov. Tim Walz.

Scott said the administration should root out waste in both jurisdictions.

“President Trump has restored trust in our federal government again, and your task force has a real opportunity to build on this work by sending a clear message to failed state and local politicians: waste, fraud, and abuse are no longer acceptable in California or anywhere across our great country,” Scott wrote.

Tackling tech

Since arriving in Congress, Rep. Jimmy Patronis has pushed back against the legal protection enjoyed by Big Tech. He will host a Town Hall on Tuesday evening to speak with constituents on the topic.

“Social media is a digital fentanyl, and it’s time for accountability,” he posted as he encouraged people to dial in to the event.

He notably announced the event days after releasing the latest warning about online computer takeover scams. But the Fort Walton Beach Republican has also pushed for Congress to repeal legal immunity for social media platforms.

He has also pushed for further research and greater exposure to the harm done, particularly to children, when engaging with social media too often, and introduced several important anecdotes about Florida families into the Congressional Record in February.

Healthy brains

How much do environmental factors affect the development of brain disorders? Rep. Gus Bilirakis would like to learn more and is working across the aisle to advance research into the topic.

The Palm Harbor Republican introduced the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research and Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act with Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a Virginia Democrat.

The bill would boost studies into exposure to toxins like trichloroethylene and explore any relationship to neurological diseases. Some studies show that between 73% and 90% of Parkinson cases cannot be tied to genetic predisposition alone, suggesting other factors.

“We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of disease and holds the promise of further effective treatments — and ultimately, cures,” Bilirakis said.

“Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, we are investing in research that will help scientists better understand the environmental factors that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. I am optimistic that this work will lead to improved health outcomes for millions of Americans suffering from these devastating conditions.”

The legislation has support from advocates of research into Parkinson’s disease, ALS and other brain disorders.

“The HEALTHY BRAINS Act is a critical step toward protecting Americans living with neurodegenerative diseases today while helping prevent future cases,” reads a statement from the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.

“By strengthening federal research focused on environmental risk factors, this legislation will help advance prevention strategies and improve outcomes for individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.”

Still recovering culture

For the past decade, Holocaust survivors and their families have enjoyed legal power in the U.S. to lay claim to stolen artwork and goods taken during the Third Reich. Now, legislation championed by Rep. Laurel Lee could make sure they have that power for years to come.

The Thonotosassa Republican filed an extension of the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act, which just passed in the House.

“The Holocaust was one of the darkest chapters in human history, marked not only by the murder of millions of Jews but also by the systematic theft of their homes, livelihoods, and cultural heritage,” Lee said.

“For many families, the fight to recover artwork stolen during the Holocaust has continued for generations. The HEAR Act of 2025 ensures these claims are evaluated on their merits — not dismissed because of technical legal barriers. This legislation reaffirms our nation’s commitment to justice, accountability, and historical truth.”

Since the bill already cleared the Senate, it now heads to Trump for his signature. If that happens, the legal power to pursue claims regarding cultural properties stolen by the Nazi regime will never expire.

The bipartisan bill enjoys support from numerous Jewish advocacy groups.

“After World War II, the Monuments Men and Women located and returned almost 4 million works of art and cultural objects looted by the Nazis. Much remains missing,” said Robert Edsel, Chair of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation.

Powerful backup

Rep. Vern Buchanan has pushed for years to increase criminal penalties for cop killers through his Thin Blue Line Act. In his final legislative term, he gained critical support from administration partners.

The Justice Department, headed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Tampa Republican, formally endorsed the federal bill last week.

Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis said the bill would provide prosecutors with a powerful tool.

“Combating violent crime remains a priority of this administration, and holding violent criminals who attack and murder law enforcement accountable is paramount,” Davis said.

The legislation would make the murder or attempted murder of a police officer or other first responder an “aggravating” factor in federal death penalty determinations.

“Law enforcement officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect the American people, and far too many are facing dangerous and targeted attacks simply for enforcing the rule of law,” said Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican.

“I’m grateful to the Trump administration and the Department of Justice for their strong support of my Thin Blue Line Act, which ensures those who target the brave men and women who serve our communities will face the full force of the law. Our message is clear: we stand with our law enforcement, and they have our full support.”

American welfare first

Any social welfare programs funded by the federal government should first benefit citizens, according to Rep. Greg Steube. The Sarasota Republican just introduced the American Families First Assistance Act with that goal in mind.

The bill would restrict the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program from helping noncitizen immigrants when it issues block grants to help low-income families.

“American taxpayer dollars should go to struggling American families, not migrants who entered the country under the Biden administration’s failed border policies,” Steube said. “The American Families First Assistance Act ensures TANF benefits are reserved for those the program was intended to serve.”

Since 1996, federal law has allowed some program benefits to be paid to “qualified aliens” who are in the country legally under various parole programs.

Relief for farmers

After an unseasonably cold hit much of the state in February, Rep. Brian Mast hosted a special event for farmers in Hobe Sound. There, the Stuart Republican discussed ways to access federal resources and recovery assistance.

“From citrus trees and vegetables to shrubs and nursery crops, our growers dedicate years toward cultivating produce. When their labor is erased — in some cases overnight — it impacts everyone,” Mast said.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins earlier this month declared a federal disaster in 26 Florida counties, including St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties. That opens relief programs for growers in Mast’s district.

“Supporting these hardworking Floridians as they recover and rebuild is a priority,” he said.

Kids pops

Rep. Jared Moskowitz has been singing the praises of youth engagement programs at the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Now, the Parkland Democrat has helped bring $20,000 for the cultural institution.

His Office announced the National Endowment for the Arts had awarded the funding to the Center as part of its Grant for Arts Projects program.

“South Florida’s arts community is one of the many things that makes our region so special, and this investment in the Broward Center is an investment in both culture and opportunity,” Moskowitz said.

“This funding will help give local students meaningful access to arts education and live performance. I’m proud to announce this support for the Broward Center and the next generation of young artists in our community.”

The funding will be used for arts outreach programs in the Fort Lauderdale area.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts,” said Mary Anne Carter, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “As we celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary this year, it is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities, and heritage.”

Safe Jewish spaces

After a truck driver drove into a Michigan synagogue, apparently after losing family in Israeli military strikes in Lebanon, South Florida leaders voiced concerns about rising antisemitism.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, held meetings with law enforcement and Jewish leaders on ways to keep community spaces safe.

“Hurt, frustrated and confused people become radicalized. And all too often, it’s religious minorities who bear the cost,” said Wasserman Schultz, who is Jewish. “Protecting houses of worship is necessary but not sufficient. We need to attack the root cause — anti-Jewish hatred — by educating ourselves and holding our leaders accountable.”

She convened at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center with representatives of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and police from Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Plantation and Weston.

She also had leaders from the Jewish Federation of Broward County, Ramat Shalom Beth Israel, Secure Community Network, Temple Beth Am, Temple Dor Dorim, Temple Solel, and Young Israel of Hollywood.

“Every day we wake up thinking about the security of the Jewish community and doing everything that we can to keep everyone here safe,” said Audra Berg, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County.

Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat, tied the synagogue attack to the shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia. Authorities say that a shooter with connections to ISIS left an ROTC instructor dead.

“A synagogue is a sanctuary. A university is a place of opportunity. Neither should ever be places of fear,” Wilson said. “We must be honest: hate is being allowed to flourish, and violence is being tolerated. Antisemitism, bigotry, and attacks on innocent people are not who we are as a nation. They are an affront to the values that bind us together. We must stand up, speak out, and act with courage.”

On this day

March 17, 1776 — “British evacuate Boston” via History.com — British forces were forced to evacuate following General George Washington’s successful placement and more than a dozen cannons on Dorchester Heights, which overlooks the city from the south. British General Sir William Howe hoped to use the British ships in Boston Harbor to destroy the American position, but a storm set in, giving the Americans ample time to complete fortifications and set up artillery. Realizing their position was now indefensible, British troops sailed to the safety of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The bloodless liberation of Boston by the Patriots brought an end to a hated eight-year British occupation of the city.

March 17, 1960 — “Dwight Eisenhower authorizes plan to send force into Cuba” via The National Security Archive — At an Oval Office meeting, President Eisenhower approved a CIA policy paper titled “A Program of Covert Action Against the Castro Regime.” The CIA plan involved four main courses of action: form a moderate opposition group in exile whose slogan was to restore the revolution Castro betrayed; create a radio station to broadcast into Cuba; create a covert intelligence and action organization within Cuba responsive to orders and directions of the exile opposition; and begin training a paramilitary force for immediate deployment into Cuba. Eisenhower stated he knew of “no better plan” but voiced concerns about leakage and breach of security.

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who turned 56 on Sunday, March 15.

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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol.