During a recent interview on Fox News' Hannity program, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity for both economic and political reforms in Cuba, hinting at upcoming developments concerning the island's situation.
The State Department released a segment of this interview on Wednesday, featuring a direct quote from Rubio: "Cuba needs two things: economic reform and political reform. You can't fix their economy without changing their government system."
Rubio elaborated further on the internal state of the regime in the same interview: "There is literally no economy in Cuba. Unfortunately, the people in charge of the government's apparatus are incompetent and incapable of solving these issues."
This statement aligns with Rubio's previous remarks to journalists at the State Department on Monday, where he succinctly stated Washington's stance: "Cuba's economy needs to change, and its economy cannot change unless its government system changes. It's that simple."
On the same day during an interview with Al Jazeera, he added, "We don't need anything from Cuba. It is Cuba that needs us. Their economic system is completely dysfunctional."
Last Friday, Rubio was even more explicit about Washington's demands: "The people in charge, the governing system, and the economic model must change."
On that day, President Donald Trump issued a warning that echoed across the region: "Cuba is next, but act as if I didn't say that." Three days later, on Monday, Trump revisited the topic of the island: "It will fail soon, and we will be there."
These statements are part of a sustained diplomatic offensive. The U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Havana, Mike Hammer, had predicted a historic change in Cuba by 2026, while Republican Senator Ted Cruz speculated on Saturday that changes would occur before September, citing the strength of the Trump administration following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The economic collapse in Cuba is escalating this pressure. Following Maduro's arrest by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, the Venezuelan oil supply—ranging from 26,000 to 35,000 barrels per day—was drastically cut, leading to power outages lasting up to 20-25 hours daily.
The Economist Intelligence Unit projects a 7.2% contraction in Cuba's GDP for 2026, marking a cumulative decline of 23% since 2019.
Economist Mauricio de Miranda Parrondo described this figure as "brutal over seven years." A staggering 80% of Cubans believe the current crisis is worse than the Special Period of the 1990s.
The regime of Díaz-Canel acknowledged on March 13 that it is engaging in talks with representatives of the Trump administration and released 51 political prisoners as a negotiating gesture, out of 1,214 documented by Prisoners Defenders.
However, it refuses to negotiate its political system and proposes a mixed model inspired by China and Vietnam, a solution that Washington outright rejects.
Rubio concluded his appearance on Fox News with a warning suggesting imminent actions: "You know, there will be more news about this pretty soon. We're working on it as well."
Cuba's Political and Economic Challenges
What are the key reforms needed in Cuba according to the U.S.?
The U.S. emphasizes the need for both economic and political reforms in Cuba to address the island's systemic issues.
How has the economic situation in Cuba worsened recently?
Cuba has faced severe economic challenges, including a projected 7.2% GDP contraction in 2026 and significant reductions in oil supplies, leading to extensive power outages.
What stance does the Cuban regime take regarding political negotiations?
The Cuban regime refuses to negotiate its political system and proposes a model inspired by China and Vietnam, which the U.S. does not accept.