On October 23, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media platform X, urging Cubans seeking political change to pursue a discreet partnership with the CIA. The statement came as President Donald Trump separately discussed potential U.S. actions toward Cuba during a midterm rally in Fort Myers, Florida.
Rubio’s call for cooperation was framed as an opportunity for Cubans to address what he described as failed promises, corruption, and privileged lives of a few in their country. The post did not specify the nature of such cooperation or outline concrete steps for engagement. Trump, addressing a separate topic at the same rally, suggested U.S. warships could make a "stopover" near Cuba in the context of broader regional actions.
Rubio’s longstanding position on Cuba has emphasized a tougher U.S. stance toward the communist government in Havana, opposing normalization efforts without political reforms. His latest remarks align with this approach, though the specifics of any potential CIA partnership remain undefined.
Trump’s remarks at the Fort Myers rally included a broader discussion of U.S. military actions in the region, with Cuba mentioned as a secondary consideration. The president’s comments did not provide additional details on timing, scope, or objectives related to Cuba.
Background on U.S.-Cuba policy
The call for cooperation follows decades of strained U.S.-Cuba relations, marked by economic embargoes, diplomatic isolation, and periodic tensions. Rubio, whose parents are Cuban immigrants, has been a vocal critic of the Cuban government’s human rights record and political structure. His latest statement reflects a continuation of policies aimed at pressuring the Havana regime through targeted measures, including sanctions and intelligence operations.
Trump’s regional strategy
During the rally, Trump referenced broader U.S. military engagements, including actions in Venezuela earlier in 2026, as part of a wider strategy. His mention of a potential "stopover" near Cuba was delivered in the context of discussing Iran and other geopolitical priorities, leaving the specifics of any Cuba-related actions unclear.
Reactions and implications
The call for Cubans to partner with the CIA has drawn attention from analysts and policymakers, though no immediate responses from Cuban officials or international actors have been reported. The lack of specificity in Rubio’s statement leaves open questions about the nature of any proposed cooperation, its legal framework, and potential risks for participants.
Key questions remain unanswered, including whether such partnerships would involve intelligence gathering, logistical support, or other forms of collaboration. The absence of detailed information has led to speculation about the feasibility and intent behind the proposal.