The Cuban-American Congresswoman, Maria Elvira Salazar, has expressed her full faith in Senator Marco Rubio's involvement in shaping the U.S. strategy towards Cuba, especially with Donald Trump's renewed leadership in the White House.
In a phone interview with Actualidad Radio, Salazar praised Rubio's deep understanding of the Cuban people's suffering under the dictatorship, stating that Rubio "doesn't make mistakes."
"With Trump back in the White House, and understanding his persona, this is an entirely new ball game... which, for my deceased grandmother, my parents, all my generations... and many people listening to us, is news of biblical proportions," Salazar remarked.
Despite acknowledging the "great secrecy in the White House and the State Department" about ongoing actions, she emphasized her confidence in the direction things are headed because Rubio is at the helm.
"But we know that Marco Rubio is steering this. And Rubio doesn't make mistakes; he knows very well... I always proudly say he's my voter, he lives in my district, and we're all part of that first group of Cuban-Americans who witnessed our parents suffer under the Cuban dictatorship, undoubtedly the cruelest seen in the Western Hemisphere since Christopher Columbus arrived," she added.
On social media, Salazar reinforced her optimism about Cuba's immediate future, tying her hopes to Trump and Rubio's roles.
"After 67 years of dictatorship, many believe it's impossible to topple the regime. I know it can be done: all it takes is political will," she wrote.
"With President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio in the White House, we know that Cuba's day of freedom is getting closer," she added.
A Political Offensive Against the Cuban Regime
Salazar's statements come amidst a surge in political rhetoric in Washington, particularly in South Florida, where the exile community's demand for a "maximum pressure" policy against the Cuban regime is growing.
Recently, the congresswoman dismissed the statements of the regime's top leaders as irrelevant.
In a post on X, she wrote:
"Anything said by Miguel Diaz-Canel, Raul Castro, Bruno Rodriguez, or any accomplice of the Cuban regime doesn't deserve attention or legitimacy."
Salazar accused them of stealing the Cuban people's freedom, prosperity, and future, insisting that no leader of the democratic world should heed those who represent an oppressed people.
"Cuba doesn't need spokespersons of the dictatorship. It needs freedom," she asserted.
Trump's Policy and the Critical Moment
The congresswoman welcomed a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which declares a national emergency and paves the way for imposing tariffs on countries continuing to send oil to Cuba.
For Salazar, this measure marks a strategic turning point and a show of strength against what she sees as a national security threat due to the Cuban government's alliances with Russia, China, Iran, and other actors designated as terrorists.
Beyond official policy, Salazar addressed the Cuban exile community, urging them to embrace an "inescapable historical responsibility."
In her view, the Cuban dictatorship survives solely on money flowing from abroad, and cutting off this flow is key to hastening its collapse.
The legislator went further, calling for a complete cessation of all forms of economic aid to the Cuban government.
In her messages, she argued that this is the decisive moment and that any gesture of normalization—be it sending money, traveling to the island, or tourism—prolongs the repression, though she acknowledged the emotional toll of ceasing support for family members on the island.
FAQs on U.S. Policy Towards Cuba
Why does Maria Elvira Salazar trust Marco Rubio in handling the Cuban issue?
Maria Elvira Salazar trusts Marco Rubio because of his profound understanding of the Cuban people's suffering under the dictatorship and his strategic role in shaping U.S. policy towards Cuba.
What is the significance of Trump's executive order regarding Cuba?
Trump's executive order declares a national emergency and allows for tariffs on countries sending oil to Cuba, marking a strategic pivot in U.S. policy and a strong stance against Cuba's international alliances.
How does Salazar propose to facilitate the collapse of the Cuban regime?
Salazar suggests cutting off all economic aid and financial flows to the Cuban government, which she believes is crucial for expediting the regime's downfall.