Rubio Urges Cubans to Partner With CIA Amid Heightened US Rhetoric

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on those seeking governmental change in Cuba to partner with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a significant escalation in rhetoric that follows President Donald Trump's remarks that Washington would "take care of Cuba."

Administration's Hardline Stance

At a rally in Florida, President Trump told supporters, "We’ll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran ... then we’re going to send Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal," according to Reuters. The comments signal a continued hardline approach toward the communist government in Havana.

In a post on the social media platform X on Friday, Rubio, who directs much of the administration's Cuba policy, directly addressed those on the island. "To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba - now is the time," he stated, urging them to "seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA," without providing further details.

Economic and Geopolitical Context

The Trump administration has previously stated its objective is to change Cuba's government. Tensions have mounted this year following a U.S.-imposed oil blockade that has placed the island nation under severe economic strain, leading to fuel shortages and widespread blackouts. This is in addition to a broader U.S. embargo that has been in place for over 60 years.

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Washington's pressure on Havana has also intensified in the wake of U.S. military action in the region, including the seizure of then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a raid last January. The move was seen as a major geopolitical development impacting Cuba, a key ally of Venezuela.

International Reaction

Despite the heightened U.S. rhetoric, Cuba’s foreign minister told the United Nations General Assembly last month that his country would always be open to dialogue with Washington. The administration's approach has drawn criticism from international bodies.

UN rights experts have condemned the oil blockade as a violation of international law. President Trump's recent comments stand in contrast to a statement he made last month, in which he predicted the U.S. and Cuba would reach an agreement and that he did not believe military action would be necessary.