Stephen Miller, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and National Security Advisor at the White House, stated on Fox News this Thursday that Cuba has long been an "operations hub for America's adversaries," emphasizing its proximity—just a 45-minute flight from U.S. shores.
Miller described Cuba as "the last bastion of communism, the final frontier of the Cold War," highlighting that "American presidents have grappled with the challenge and threat of this communist stronghold only a few miles from American shores for generations."
His remarks come amid a continued escalation of the Trump administration's maximum pressure strategy against Havana, just four days after an Axios report, based on classified intelligence, revealed that since 2023, Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran.
The report suggests that these drones are strategically stored across the island, with Cuban officials reportedly discussing potential attack scenarios against the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, U.S. warships, and even Key West, Florida.
In response, the Cuban regime invoked its "right to legitimate defense" without explicitly denying the acquisitions. Cuban official Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that "Cuba has the right to defend itself."
Miller concluded his statements with direct support for President Trump, asserting, "Through his leadership and vision, we are closer than ever to the day when Cuba will be free and no longer a threat to America, but a friend and partner essential for our national security."
These comments are part of a particularly harsh week of rhetoric from Washington. On Tuesday, Trump asserted that resolving the issue of Cuba "won't be difficult" for the U.S. and hinted at a potential diplomatic agreement tied to changes in the Cuban system, also noting that on the island "they can't turn on the lights, they can't eat."
On Wednesday, Trump characterized Cuba as a "rogue state," warning that the U.S. "will not tolerate" threats emanating from the island.
Since January 2026, the administration has imposed more than 240 new sanctions against Cuba. On January 29, Trump declared a national emergency through Executive Order 14380, labeling the Cuban government an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security. On May 7, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced direct sanctions against GAESA, the military conglomerate that controls much of Cuba's economy.
The official narrative from Washington links the Cuban regime with Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah as hostile actors present on the island, solidifying the Trump administration's stance that Cuba poses an active threat to the security of the Western Hemisphere.
Understanding the U.S.-Cuba Tensions
Why does the U.S. consider Cuba a threat?
The U.S. views Cuba as a threat due to its alignment with adversarial nations like Russia, China, Iran, and groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are seen as hostile actors in the Western Hemisphere.
What actions has the Trump administration taken against Cuba?
The Trump administration has imposed over 240 new sanctions on Cuba, declared a national emergency, and targeted Cuban military conglomerate GAESA with direct sanctions.
How has Cuba responded to U.S. accusations?
Cuba has invoked its right to legitimate defense without explicitly denying the U.S. accusations of acquiring military drones from Russia and Iran.