Obama and Trump's opposite reactions to Fidel Castro's death caught the internet's ire

The internet has a lot to say.
 By 
Nicole Gallucci
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Politicians and leaders around the world are reacting to the news that former Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, passed away on Friday.

Saturday morning, President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump released very different statements on the death of 90-year-old Castro, both of which came under fire on social media.

Many Republicans have expressed their feelings that Obama's statement is far too soft, while others are mocking Trump for taking the time to focus on his endorsements in his much harsher statement about Castro.

President Obama released a sensitive and civil statement on the passing of Castro, offering his condolences to the people of Cuba and extending "a hand of friendship" to the country

He focused the majority of his statement on acknowledging the relationship between America and Cuba and vaguely addressed the "enormous impact" Castro had on the world.

When Obama ended his statement by offering condolences to Castro's family, some Republicans -- including Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush -- commented on his "weak" delivery.

Trump, of course, took the opposite approach.

After announcing Castro's death earlier this morning on Twitter with four words and an exclamation point, the president-elect then released a much more elaborate and dramatic statement on the deceased former leader.

He referred to Castro as a "brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades" and expressed hopes for a future filled with freedom for the people in Cuba.

His statement then took an odd and somewhat boastful turn.

He ended his statement by mentioning the "many Cuban Americans" who supported him "so greatly" during his campaign and the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association that endorsed him.

Naturally, people were slightly confused by this and couldn't help but question whether this was the proper time for Trump to slip in a humble brag.

And while we're at it, Canada's Justin Trudeau caused quite the commotion with his statement on Castro.

Trudeau announced he was filled with "deep sorrow" after learning of Castro's death before describing him as a "larger than life leader" and a "legendary revolutionary and orator."

People shared their confusion over the seemingly high praise on Twitter.

"I know my father was very proud to call him a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away," Trudeau said. "It was also a real honor to meet his three sons and his brother President Raúl Castro during my recent visit to Cuba."

Mashable Image
Nicole Gallucci

Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Wait, that's Jonah Hill? The 'Outcome' makeover turns the actor unrecognizable
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Keanu Reeves, Jonah Hill, Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer attend Apple TV Press Day at Barker Hangar on February 03, 2026 in Santa Monica, California.


Apple's MacBook Neo comes in citrus yellow and blush pink. The internet has thoughts.
Apple's MacBook Neo lineup in colors citrus, indigo, blush, and silver

Jimmy Kimmel trolls Trump with old footage of him talking about Obama and Iran
Jimmy Kimmel presents his show.

Steven Spielberg says Barack Obama's alien comments are 'so great for 'Disclosure Day''
Steven Spielberg at the 2026 Golden Globes.

More in Life

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!