Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has stated that only Secretary of State Marco Rubio is privy to any talks between the State Department and Raúl Castro's circle.
"Only Marco Rubio knows, and the best hands for the United States to engage with the Castro regime are his," she remarked when questioned about potential contacts with "Raúl Castro's caretaker." Her comments were shared on X, where she reiterated her call for "freedom for the Cuban people."
Highlighting the expertise of the current head of U.S. diplomacy, Salazar emphasized Rubio's deep understanding of the island's situation. "Rubio has Cuba in his DNA; he knows very well who these tyrants and bandits are, the worst people the Western Hemisphere has seen in the last sixty-five years, the Castro regime. But their time has come," she declared.
She attributed this pivotal political moment to the presence of Donald Trump in the White House: "Why? Because there's a man named Donald Trump in the White House, period. Neither other Republicans nor Democrats have done anything so that the Cuban people can live as we do, in democracy and freedom, where everyone can do what they want with their lives without oppression."
Salazar's remarks follow reports from Axios and the Miami Herald about potential discreet contacts between Rubio and Raúl Castro's circle, specifically his grandson Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," to explore a possible political transition on the island.
Last week, during an interview, Salazar stated, "Marco Rubio perfectly understands the evil of the Cuban regime," asserting, "We couldn't have a better interlocutor. If there are any talks, they are not negotiations."
In this same context, she insisted that Rubio "will not negotiate anything. He will discuss how they (the Cuban leaders) will leave and what the different stages of this transition will be," as she declared during an event in South Florida.
Previously, addressing the current political climate, the congresswoman observed, "The regime is in its final stage, and the Cuban people are closer than ever to living in freedom," as recorded in other statements where she acknowledged the pain of Cuban families and promised freedom soon.
The Cuban regime has denied any formal negotiations and labeled the media reports about potential exchanges as "speculation."
Salazar's latest declarations reinforce her stance that any dialogue with Havana, if it exists, would be driven by the pressure strategy promoted by the Trump administration and aimed at a political transition in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S.-Cuba Relations
What is Marco Rubio's role in U.S.-Cuba relations?
Marco Rubio is considered a key figure in U.S.-Cuba relations due to his deep understanding and personal connection to the situation in Cuba, which positions him as an important interlocutor for any potential discussions with the Cuban regime.
Why is María Elvira Salazar critical of the Cuban regime?
María Elvira Salazar is critical of the Cuban regime because she views it as oppressive and detrimental to the freedom and democracy of the Cuban people. She believes the regime's time is ending, and the Cuban people are on the brink of living in freedom.