On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched a scathing critique of the Cuban government, labeling it as both "terrorist" and "incompetent." He accused the regime of having "ruined" the island over its more than 65 years in power.
During a press conference in Washington, as reported by the EFE news agency, Rubio was asked about the U.S. government's desire for a regime change in Cuba. In his response, he emphasized that this aspiration is not unique to the current administration under President Donald Trump. He argued that "any administration" might share this stance.
"I believe any administration would like to see a different situation," Rubio stated, stressing that beyond ideological differences, the core issue is the Cuban government's "incompetence."
Rubio, a key figure in the Trump administration and a politician of Cuban descent, hails from Florida, which hosts the largest community of Cuban exiles. His remarks included a pointed declaration: "It was a disaster. It is a disaster. It's not just because they are Marxists and terrorists. They are incompetent. They are incompetent people who have destroyed that country," according to EFE's citation.
Recently, Rubio has suggested that undermining Nicolás Maduro's government in Venezuela could deliver a critical blow to the Cuban communist regime, as per an extensive report by The New York Times.
As the son of Cuban immigrants who settled in Florida before the 1959 revolution, Rubio has centered his Latin American policy on the Caracas–Havana relationship. His strategy, discussed both publicly and privately, posits that cutting Venezuela's economic and intelligence support to Cuba would trigger a political collapse on the island.
In previous interviews, Rubio has been unequivocal: "Anything that is detrimental to a communist dictatorship is something I support."
According to former advisors cited by the newspaper, the ex-Florida senator, who has built his career on growing support from the Cuban exile community, frequently spoke in the Senate and with diplomats about the necessity of isolating the Havana regime and severing its alliance with Caracas.
Understanding Marco Rubio's Stance on Cuba
What did Marco Rubio call the Cuban government?
Marco Rubio referred to the Cuban government as "terrorist" and "incompetent," accusing it of destroying the island over decades in power.
How does Rubio propose to impact the Cuban regime?
Rubio suggests that weakening Venezuela's support for Cuba could lead to a political collapse in Cuba.
What is the significance of Rubio's background in his stance on Cuba?
As the son of Cuban immigrants and a key political figure in Florida, Rubio's views are influenced by the state's large Cuban exile community.