According to a recent report by the Miami Herald, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaging in talks with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. These discussions occur amidst growing pressure from Washington on Havana to initiate political and economic reforms.
Rodríguez Castro, a 41-year-old colonel known as “El Cangrejo,” previously led his grandfather's personal security team during Raúl Castro's presidency and remains one of his most trusted confidants. Additionally, he oversees the Castro family's interests within GAESA, the military conglomerate that dominates substantial sectors of Cuba's economy and a large portion of the country's foreign exchange sources.
The initial report of these discussions came from Axios and was corroborated by a source familiar with the situation speaking to the Miami Herald. A senior official from the Trump administration clarified that these interactions are not formal "negotiations" but rather "discussions about the future."
President Donald Trump mentioned on Sunday that his administration is in contact with Cuba, amidst a scenario of dwindling oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico, and as Washington seeks to apply pressure following Nicolás Maduro's departure from power in Caracas.
Within U.S. administration circles, there is speculation about whether there is an individual in Cuba capable of meaningful dialogue—similar to the role played by Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela's transition—who could facilitate potential agreements. Although Miguel Díaz-Canel holds the formal presidency, analysts and sources cited by the Herald suggest that real power remains concentrated around Raúl Castro.
Despite not holding a visible position in the Cuban government or Communist Party, Rodríguez Castro’s proximity to the former leader and his influence in GAESA make him a pivotal figure in the island's economic-military framework. Documents referenced by the newspaper indicate that the conglomerate reported current assets of approximately $18 billion as of March 2024, distributed across unspecified accounts.
The Miami Herald also highlights Rodríguez Castro's frequent travels to Panama, where one of the key companies connected to GAESA is registered, and his involvement in opaque business operations abroad.
A source consulted by Axios described the conversations with Rubio as "surprisingly cordial," with a focus on the future rather than ideological disputes of the past. From Washington, Rubio has emphasized that any easing of U.S. pressure will depend on concrete economic reforms and clear political openness from Havana.
As of now, the Cuban regime has not officially confirmed these contacts. The true extent of Rodríguez Castro's influence and his ability to commit to decisions on behalf of Cuba's power structure remain critical questions amid escalating economic and political tensions on the island.
Key Questions about Marco Rubio's Discussions with Rodríguez Castro
What is the nature of Marco Rubio's discussions with Rodríguez Castro?
The discussions are described as "surprisingly cordial" and focus on future prospects rather than past ideological disputes.
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro is the grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, a 41-year-old colonel known as "El Cangrejo," who is influential in GAESA and close to the former leader.
What is GAESA's role in Cuba's economy?
GAESA is a military conglomerate that controls significant sectors of Cuba's economy and a large portion of the country's foreign exchange sources.