U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, made an unprecedented appeal on his verified X account, @SecRubio, urging Cubans seeking "positive change" to seize the moment and engage in a "discreet partnership with the CIA."
"For those looking to foster positive change in Cuba: the time is now. Disillusionment with broken promises, rampant corruption, and the elite's privileged lifestyles should motivate you to use this chance to effect the change you desire through a discreet partnership with the CIA," Rubio stated in his post, which quickly garnered over 100,000 views.
This message is historically unusual as it defies the diplomatic norm of keeping intelligence operations away from public discourse. It marks the first occasion a U.S. Secretary of State has openly recruited agents in a foreign nation via social media.
Rubio's tweet appeared shortly after President Donald Trump announced at a rally in Fort Myers, Florida, that U.S. military ships would "pass through Cuba" on their return from Iran and indicated he would send the Secretary of State to "seal the deal" with the island.
"We're sending Marco Rubio to finalize the agreement. We'll have Marco. Marco," Trump stated to his supporters, according to Friday's reports.
Rubio's public appeal is part of a sustained increase in U.S. pressure on Cuba throughout 2026.
In May, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a surprise visit to Havana, where he met with Cuban Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas and Raúl Castro's grandson, conveying Trump's demand for "fundamental changes" as a precondition for any dialogue, according to Reuters and France24.
By August, the New York Times disclosed that the CIA had established a secret special force focused solely on Cuba, elevated to "Priority 1" status alongside China, Iran, and Russia, aiming to exploit divisions within the Cuban political elite.
On October 15, Rubio announced sanctions against the Cuban bank BICSA, accusing the regime of housing Iranian military and intelligence operations less than 100 miles from U.S. soil.
In September, Rubio warned that some members of Cuba's establishment had "blood on their hands" and would not be acceptable interlocutors, although certain technocrats might play a role in a potential transition.
This Friday's call directly addresses discontent with the regime's leadership, explicitly mentioning "broken promises, corruption, and the elite's privileged lives," marking a new phase in Washington's strategy: combining military pressure, economic sanctions, intelligence operations, and now a public call for agent recruitment within the island.
On October 5, Rubio had already warned that Cuban leaders would need to alter their course or "learn the hard way," a signal now complemented by this direct appeal to the Cuban people.
Understanding the U.S. Strategy on Cuban Regime Change
Why did Marco Rubio make a public call for collaboration with the CIA?
Marco Rubio's public call is aimed at energizing Cubans disillusioned with the regime to collaborate discreetly with the CIA to instigate change in Cuba.
What is the significance of this public appeal?
This appeal is significant as it breaks the traditional diplomatic protocol of keeping intelligence matters private, marking a bold U.S. strategy to instigate change in Cuba.
How has the U.S. increased pressure on Cuba in 2026?
Throughout 2026, the U.S. has intensified pressure on Cuba through military presence, economic sanctions, intelligence operations, and now a public call for recruitment.
What role does the CIA play in U.S. strategy towards Cuba?
The CIA is instrumental in U.S. strategy towards Cuba, with efforts to exploit divisions within the Cuban political elite and support a transition through intelligence operations.