Politics · United States · 3 hrs ago
Rubio urges Cubans seeking change to contact the CIA
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking change to work with the CIA in a social media post on Friday.
He told them to use a discreet partnership to pursue change, without giving details beyond the CIA’s separate instructions for contacting the agency.
Cuba’s government mocked the appeal, calling it a sign of US desperation.
The call came as President Donald Trump renewed threats of intervention, saying US warships could stop off Cuba and Rubio would “finish up the deal.”
Washington is increasing pressure on Cuba’s communist government, including through an oil blockade that has worsened fuel shortages and blackouts.
The US has maintained an embargo on Cuba for more than 60 years, and the two governments have also held talks about improving relations.
The next steps are unclear; the sources describe no specific response or planned action after Rubio’s appeal.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking political change to act and suggested they partner with the CIA.
President Donald Trump said US ships could stop near Cuba after returning from the Iran war and that Rubio would go to the island to finish a deal.
Rubio’s call came after Trump revived his threat of intervention in Cuba at a rally in Florida.
The Trump administration has said it wants to change Cuba’s communist government and has increased pressure on Havana.
- Who
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking political change to act. President Donald Trump revived his threat of US intervention in Cuba.
- What
- Rubio urged Cubans to pursue change through a partnership with the CIA. Trump said US ships could stop near Cuba after returning from Iran.
- When
- Friday, October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Trump spoke at a rally in south Florida; Rubio issued his message on social media.
- Why
- Rubio said Cubans should seize an opportunity to create change. Trump said the US would address Cuba after dealing with Iran.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Trump and Rubio raised the prospect of US military intervention in Cuba.
Rubio said Cuba had no functional economy and expressed hope that it would choose a different path.
Trump revived his remarks about Cuba at a Florida rally, and Rubio urged Cubans seeking change to act.
- US secretary of state
- Marco Rubio
- US president
- Donald Trump
- Location of rally
- South Florida
- Rubio's suggested partner
- CIA
- Date of rally and Rubio's message
- 23 October 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
To those who seek to create positive change
seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA
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