U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, addressed the media in Paris on Monday during the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting, emphasizing that while Washington is committed to aiding Cuba in its journey toward a better future, the ultimate responsibility lies with the island's regime.
"Ultimately, our goal is for Cuba to achieve a brighter future. We'll do everything in our power to assist them on this path, but in the end, they need to awaken and realize there's no future in their current trajectory," Rubio stated, as seen in a video released by the State Department.
The chief of U.S. diplomacy criticized the Cuban government, describing it as a system that intentionally limits its people's freedoms to maintain control. "The issue with Cuba is that the regime fears granting its citizens any form of freedom, whether economic or otherwise, because they enjoy having control," he noted.
Rubio elaborated on the regime's strategy: allowing just enough economic activity to avoid total collapse without relinquishing control. "What this regime aims to do, and has always done, is to permit enough economic activity to remain a third-world country, but not a fourth-world one. Yet, they refuse to lose control over the people," he clarified.
The Secretary of State highlighted a direct consequence of this model: the mass exodus of Cubans from the island. "This model doesn't work, and all it has led to is millions of people fleeing Cuba, many heading to the United States," he said, labeling the situation a threat to "national security and national interests" of the U.S.
Rubio also targeted GAESA, the military-run business conglomerate, accusing it of profiting at the expense of the populace. "There are individuals within this regime who have millions of dollars stashed in bank accounts worldwide," he claimed, adding that the military conglomerate "has been stealing what little the Cuban people have."
Regarding the embargo, Rubio was unequivocal: "Our embargo on Cuba is enshrined in law and requires political freedom to lift it," dismissing any easing without actual political changes on the island.
When questioned about his public call in October for Cubans to cooperate with the CIA and whether it yielded results, Rubio replied cautiously: "I wouldn't tell you if the CIA had any results. Because then those people wouldn't fare very well."
That call, to which the agency responded the following day with Spanish instructions for Cubans to contact them, was deemed "not serious" and "childish" by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.
Despite acknowledging the challenges, Rubio reaffirmed the Trump administration's commitment. "It's a very stubborn group of individuals, but we will continue working on it because it's a priority," he concluded.
These statements came days after the State Department announced new sanctions against entities and individuals linked to the Cuban regime, including direct family members of GAESA leaders and the blocking of five ships, as part of an ongoing pressure campaign throughout 2026.
Understanding U.S. Policy on Cuba
What is the main goal of the U.S. regarding Cuba?
The primary objective of the U.S. is to assist Cuba in achieving a better future, but this requires the Cuban regime to awaken and change its current path.
How does Rubio describe the Cuban regime?
Rubio describes the Cuban regime as a system that intentionally restricts the freedoms of its people to maintain control.
What consequence has the Cuban model led to, according to Rubio?
According to Rubio, the model has resulted in a mass exodus of Cubans, many of whom have headed to the United States.
What are Rubio's remarks on the embargo against Cuba?
Rubio stated that the embargo is legally established and requires political freedom in Cuba for it to be lifted, dismissing any easing without real political changes.