During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that the United States is eager to witness a regime change in Cuba. However, he clarified that this aspiration does not necessarily imply any military or direct action to bring down Miguel Díaz-Canel's government.
Rubio's statement came in response to a question from a Democratic senator regarding whether the Trump administration was contemplating a regime change policy towards Havana, similar to the approach taken with Venezuela earlier this month.
"We would love to see the regime change there. We would like it. That doesn't mean we're going to change it, but we certainly would like to see it change," Rubio replied.
He further emphasized, "It would be a great benefit for the United States if Cuba were no longer governed by an autocratic regime."
The Secretary of State highlighted that U.S. policy toward Cuba is governed by the Helms-Burton Act of 1996, which codified the economic embargo and ties its lifting to a democratic transition on the island.
"It's in the law. To lift the embargo, there must be a regime change," Rubio explained to the Senate.
Being a prominent advocate of maximum pressure against Havana, the Cuban-American official stressed that Washington's goal isn't to impose a model but to ensure that "Cubans can live in freedom and without fear of their own government."
"A regime that has oppressed its people, violated rights, and exported repression to other countries for 65 years cannot be our partner," Rubio stated, referencing the historical ties between the Cuban regime and countries like Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Rubio's remarks on Cuba occurred during an extensive Senate appearance concerning the situation in Venezuela. He laid out the Trump administration's roadmap following Nicolás Maduro's capture and the interim presidency of Delcy Rodríguez.
In his address, Rubio outlined a three-phase plan—stabilization, recovery, and political opening—and defended Washington's role as a transition guarantor.
"We want a friendly, stable, and democratic Venezuela, and we are prepared to use force if other methods fail," the Secretary warned.
A senator's warning to the Cuban government cited reports of Cuban military advisors in Venezuela and intelligence cooperation between the two countries, stating, "Havana should be worried."
While not dismissing future actions, Rubio maintained that Washington will act within legal and diplomatic frameworks, yet left open the possibility of other coercive measures.
"I don't rule out the use of economic, political, or informational pressure. Cuba cannot continue to be a dictatorial impunity in the hemisphere," he added.
Since the beginning of 2026, the United States has ramped up its policy of isolating the Cuban regime, implementing financial sanctions, imposing controls on joint ventures, and pressuring Mexico to halt subsidized oil shipments to the island. Additionally, Washington has openly supported Cuban internal opposition and civil society organizations.
U.S. Policy on Cuba: Key Questions and Answers
What is the Helms-Burton Act?
The Helms-Burton Act of 1996 codifies the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba and conditions its lifting on a democratic transition in the country.
Why does the U.S. want a regime change in Cuba?
The U.S. seeks a regime change in Cuba to replace the current autocratic government, aiming for a democratic system that allows Cubans to live freely and without fear.
How has the U.S. increased pressure on Cuba recently?
Since 2026, the U.S. has intensified its isolation policy against Cuba by imposing financial sanctions, controlling joint ventures, pressuring Mexico to halt subsidized oil shipments, and supporting internal opposition and civil society organizations.