Bernie Navarro, the U.S. ambassador to Peru and son of Cuban exiles, has expressed his firm belief that significant change in Cuba is possible under Donald Trump's administration. Navarro confidently stated, "I believe with Donald Trump, change will indeed happen in Cuba. The signs are there, and we're discussing this issue like never before," during an exclusive interview with journalist Gloria Ordaz for Telemundo 51.
Raised in Miami, Navarro attributes his diplomatic perspective to his upbringing as the son of exiles. "I carry the conviction rooted in our views on communism, which is also strongly evident in Peru. We see a significant Cuban influence there," Navarro explained.
His statements align with the Trump administration's recent messaging. Back in February 2026, Mike Hammer, the head of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, had already told the Cuban diaspora in Madrid, "Change in Cuba is going to happen."
Navarro is part of a calculated effort by Trump to place Cuban-Americans in pivotal diplomatic roles, particularly in Latin America. Alongside him, Secretary of State Marco Rubio—also the son of Cuban immigrants—steers foreign policy, with Kevin Marino Cabrera as ambassador to Panama, Peter Lamelas to Argentina, and Benjamín León Jr. to Spain.
On May 8, Hammer shared a photo featuring Navarro, Cabrera, and Lamelas, posing the rhetorical question: "Why are Cubans so successful outside of Cuba?"—a direct challenge to Havana's regime.
During the interview, Navarro also spoke about his long-standing friendship with Rubio, whom he has known since childhood and supported as finance director during Rubio's presidential campaign. "We've been friends since we were kids... After college, we embarked on the political process together, engaging in political issues in South Florida, and our friendship grew," he recounted.
Regarding the Secretary of State, Navarro added, "I always knew Marco Rubio would achieve greatness... He's a once-in-a-generation person."
Navarro was appointed by Trump in May 2025, confirmed by the Senate on December 19 of that year, and sworn in by Rubio himself on January 13, 2026, in Washington. Trump selected him specifically for his prior knowledge of the Andean nation—his wife Claudia is Peruvian, and their children are Peruvian-Americans. "That's what the president wanted, someone who could start without a learning curve," explained the ambassador.
Among Navarro's diplomatic priorities is promoting trade: "The most important thing we must do as ambassadors is to be the chief business advocate for our enterprises." He also emphasized the strategic significance of Peru: "Peru is crucial for regional stability, economic health, and prosperity."
Navarro's remarks come amid heightened pressure from Washington on Havana. The Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions against the regime, reinstated Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism on January 20, 2025, and issued an executive order in January 2026 declaring Cuba an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security.
Key Insights into U.S.-Cuba Relations and Navarro's Role
What is Bernie Navarro's background?
Bernie Navarro is the son of Cuban exiles, raised in Miami, and serves as the U.S. ambassador to Peru. His background deeply influences his diplomatic perspective, particularly regarding U.S.-Cuba relations.
What role does Marco Rubio play in U.S. foreign policy?
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State and son of Cuban immigrants, plays a leading role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, especially in Latin America, alongside other Cuban-American diplomats like Bernie Navarro.
What are the diplomatic priorities of Bernie Navarro in Peru?
Bernie Navarro prioritizes promoting trade and economic partnerships as the chief business advocate for U.S. enterprises, acknowledging Peru's strategic importance in regional stability and prosperity.