Born in Havana in 1948, Al Cárdenas escaped from Cuba in 1960 to start a new life in the U.S. Today, he is one of the most influent Latino Republicans in the nation.

He worked for the Reagan Administration and the Bush (father) Administration, he has hold high rank positions inside Florida's Republican Party and today, he is partner associate of Squire Patton Boggs, a law firm in Miami. Despite his Cuban origins, Al Cárdenas voted for Donald Trump, a politician who threatened to build up a wall and deport thousands of undocumented Latinos. El País newspaper interviewed him and asked him why. 

“Yes, I voted for Trump, but I had many reservations. First, I did it for Party Loyalty. Second, I was convinced that Hillary Clinton was going to win”, he said.

Cárdenas admitted he had reservations with Trump’s behavior. It was clearly not up to the level of Dignity required to hold the most important position in the world”

“Trump makes me worry, not fear. But I am less worried since I he announced his Cabinet appointments. Very smart appointments, especially in Defense, the Federal Reserve and the secretary of State”. 

When asked about Cuba, Cardenas says he would like to see more economic overture, but also a tougher positions towards human rights. He thinks Obama's approach was not demanding enough with the issue of Human Rights in the island.

 Read the whole interview with Al Cárdenas in El País.