During a gathering at the White House with the Inter Miami soccer team, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly hinted that Cuba might soon become a priority for Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Addressing Rubio during the event, Trump remarked, "Your next project will be Cuba. It's waiting. Let's finish this one first. We could tackle everything simultaneously, but bad things happen."
"If you look at countries over the years, doing too much too quickly leads to bad outcomes. We won't let anything bad happen to this country," Trump stated firmly.
Trump also noted, "What's happening in Cuba is incredible... we're going to fix it so many amazing people can return to their homeland."
The comments came during a reception for Inter Miami, attended by players, team executives, and notable figures, including Argentine star Lionel Messi.
Although Trump did not provide further details on his statement's exact meaning, his reference to Cuba leaves little room for doubt: the Caribbean nation and its dictatorship are clearly on Trump's agenda.
Marco Rubio, currently serving as Secretary of State, has long been one of the most vocal critics of the Cuban regime within U.S. politics, advocating for a tough stance against Miguel Díaz-Canel's government.
Trump's remarks come amid mounting pressure from his administration on the Cuban regime during a profound economic, energy, and social crisis on the island.
Earlier, Trump declared that the Cuban regime "will also fall," emphasizing that his administration's pressure is directly affecting the crisis gripping the Cuban government.
He also suggested that the worsening situation on the island results from measures implemented by Washington, including cutting off the Venezuelan oil supply that supported Havana for years.
Similarly, U.S. Chief of Mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, expressed hope for political change on the island by 2026, assuring that "the dictatorship will end."
Hammer made these remarks during the annual gala of the Cuban American Bar Association in Miami, where he received the organization's first Humanitarian Award.
The U.S. Chief of Mission in Cuba met Thursday in Miami with the new Commander of the Southern Command, General Frank Donovan, to discuss the island's situation.
This meeting gains significance in the current political context, marked by increasing pressure from President Trump's administration on Miguel Díaz-Canel's government.
Key Developments in U.S.-Cuba Relations
What did Trump suggest about Cuba?
Trump suggested that Cuba could be the next focus for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating a potential shift in U.S. policy towards the island.
Who is Marco Rubio in relation to Cuba?
Marco Rubio, currently serving as Secretary of State, has been a strong critic of the Cuban regime and advocates for a strict approach towards Miguel Díaz-Canel's government.
What actions has the Trump administration taken regarding Cuba?
The Trump administration has increased pressure on the Cuban regime, contributing to the island's economic, energy, and social crises.