Marco Rubio Criticizes Cuba's Stance Despite U.S. Willingness to Assist

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that while Washington is ready to aid in Cuba's transition, the Cuban government's representatives remain "quite uncompromising" in public, casting doubt on the regime's genuine intent for change.

During a press briefing in New York, coinciding with the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Rubio's remarks were shared by the State Department through social media channels.

"The Cuban Revolution has been a failure for over six decades. It continues to be a failure today. I believe even within the Cuban system, there's an acknowledgment of this failure," Rubio told reporters.

Rubio pointed out that the regime faces a critical opportunity: "They have a chance to implement change and set the country on an irreversible path towards progress and a brighter future. This includes both political and economic freedom, without question."

However, Rubio clarified the boundaries of potential dialogue. In a video obtained by NewsForce from the press conference, he stressed that there are individuals within the Cuban apparatus "with whom we can never collaborate because their hands are stained with blood." Yet, he acknowledged the existence of others in the regime who could be potential partners if they are committed to steering the country towards political and economic freedom.

Economic Prospects Under Scrutiny

Rubio was also forthright about the island's economic outlook under the current model: "No one is going to invest in Cuba under its present government system. They simply won’t." He cited the lack of legal certainty for investors as a major hurdle, providing a straightforward example: "Why would anyone invest $10 million in Cuba if, in two years, the rules might be changed unilaterally, the investment seized, and no compensation given?"

Regarding the regime's credibility in honoring commitments, Rubio was equally blunt: "There isn't sufficient legitimacy or credibility to believe this regime will meet those conditions, because they never have in the past."

Rubio dismissed the notion of an overnight transformation: "You can't undo more than sixty years of mismanagement, corruption, and incompetence in six months," he noted, while affirming that Washington will remain "engaged in this matter" and open to measures that could spark change.

Military Action Discussions

When asked about the possibility of military actions, Rubio refrained from speculation but issued a general warning: if there is a threat to U.S. national security, "the president has both the power and the obligation to address it."

Rubio's statements followed President Donald Trump's address to the General Assembly, where he labeled Cuba a "completely failed state" and predicted the regime's downfall, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out in protest.

In response, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla dismissed Trump's comments as "false and slanderous," denying the existence of formal negotiations, agreements, or roadmaps between Washington and Havana. This contradicted Trump's claim that Rubio was "deeply involved" in talks with the Cuban government.

Throughout 2026, the Trump administration has issued sanctions against over 40 entities and at least 38 individuals linked to Cuba's military, energy, and financial sectors. The latest round, announced on September 17, targeted eight military and nickel sector entities and three individuals.