Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) slammed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday for his praise of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Trudeau caught flak on social media after expressing “deep sorrow” for Castro, whom he called a “remarkable leader.” Cruz and Rubio, who are of Cuban descent, released their own statements ripping the deceased leader.
“Is this a real statement or a parody? Because if this is a real statement from the PM of Canada it is shameful & embarrassing,” Rubio tweeted, linking to Trudeau’s statement on Castro’s death.
“Disgraceful,” Cruz tweeted of Trudeau’s remarks. “Why do young socialists idolize totalitarian tyrants? Castro, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot — all evil, torturing murderers.”
In a separate tweet, Cruz provided a link to the website for a nonprofit organization that focuses on human rights and victims of communist regimes.
Cruz argued in a National Review op-ed that Castro’s death would not bring “material change in Cuba.”
“That is the true legacy of Fidel Castro — that he was able to institutionalize his dictatorship so it would survive him,” Cruz wrote, calling for U.S. officials to not attend Castro’s funeral until political prisoners in Cuba are released.
In a statement earlier Saturday, Cruz encouraged his followers to “honor the brave souls who fought the lonely fight against the brutal Communist dictatorship he imposed on Cuba.”
“Sadly, Fidel Castro’s death does not mean freedom for the Cuban people or justice for the democratic activists, religious leaders, and political opponents he and his brother have jailed and persecuted,” Rubio said in a statement.
Trudeau noted in his statement that he met Castro when his father died. Trudeau said his father, former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, was “very proud” to call Castro “a friend.”
“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,’ ” Trudeau said.