Trump names U.S. envoy to Cuba

In a move signaling the U.S.’s now again Cold War-like mentality with Cuba, the Trump administration has named career diplomat Philip Goldberg to head the U.S. embassy in Havana. Cuba may balk at Goldberg’s naming since he was expelled in 2008 from Bolivia, a strong Cuban ally, after President Evo Morales accused him of fomenting social unrest.

“Without fear of the empire, I declare Mr. Goldberg, the U.S. ambassador, ‘persona non grata,”‘ were President Morales’ upon Goldberg’s expulsion from Bolivia.

Goldberg, who is bilingual and has decades of diplomatic experience, was named by President Donald Trump, who does not need Congress’ approval for this appointment. He will be replacing former Charge d‘Affaires Jeffrey DeLaurentis, who left Havana in July.

Goldberg served as the chief of mission in Kosovo and most recently as ambassador to the Philippines. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte last year accused Goldberg of interfering with their elections.