Marco Rubio, the Republican Secretary of State, is urging disillusioned Cubans to discreetly collaborate with the CIA to instigate change in their communist-governed country.
On Friday evening, Rubio shared this appeal through his official State Department account on X, stating that it’s “now the time” for action. He indicated to dissatisfied Cubans that they should take charge amid the growing frustration over corruption and unfulfilled promises, suggesting they “seize this opportunity” for transformation.
To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba – now is the time. The disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few; seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 23, 2026
He pointed out the existence of a corrupt elite and years of unmet promises as significant reasons to act. The secretary’s comments came shortly after President Trump concluded a campaign event in Fort Myers, Florida, during which he suggested that Navy ships, returning from the Iran conflict, could temporarily position themselves near Cuba, and humorously mentioned sending Rubio to finalize a task.
.@POTUS: “We’re gonna come back from Iran, those beautiful ships will pass Cuba. We’ll have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast. They’ll raise up their hands — and then we’re gonna send @SecRubio in to finish up the job.” *crowd ROARS* https://t.co/91Jf26EWDM
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 23, 2026
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío responded on X, expressing that there must be significant desperation within the CIA to be promoting recruitment so publicly. The CIA subsequently released a video in Spanish aimed at potential informants, advising them on using private browsing and disposable emails for contact.
Ahora EEUU se apea con reclutamientos públicos de la CIA. Debe haber mucho desespero o pobreza en la filas de la agencia cuando tiene que vender sus ofrecimientos como pasta de dientes.
— Carlos F. de Cossio (@CarlosFdeCossio) October 24, 2026
As Washington has intensified sanctions on Cuba, the island faces severe economic challenges like blackouts and inflation, as noted by Agence France-Presse (AFP). Rubio made a more serious comment to reporters, labeling Cuba as a longstanding security threat to the U.S., and noted skepticism about the potential for any agreements under the current regime.
This public campaign contrasts with previous, more discreet negotiations. Earlier this year, Rubio had engaged with a grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. Cuba’s envoy criticized Rubio for his apparent fixation on regime change, while Trump lightheartedly replied online to the jokes about his diplomat’s influence in Cuba with a casual “sounds good to me!”
The long-standing U.S. embargo continues to be a major point of division between the U.S. and Cuba, overshadowing other issues, according to AFP.
