Rubio Calls on Cubans to Work with the CIA to Push for Cuba Political Change
WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Cubans seeking political change to cooperate covertly with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), describing the current moment as an opportunity to bring about what he called positive change on the island.
In a post on X on Friday, Rubio pointed to public frustration over the Cuban government’s unfulfilled promises, corruption, and living conditions. He encouraged those seeking change to use what he described as an opportunity for a clandestine partnership with the CIA.
The remarks drew a sharp response from Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de CossÃo, who mocked Washington’s approach. He suggested the CIA was now recruiting openly and asked whether the agency faced internal difficulties that prompted it to promote its services publicly.
Rubio’s comments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. President Donald Trump and senior US officials have in recent months signaled a tougher approach toward Cuba, including increased economic, political and legal pressure. Their statements have also fueled concerns over the possibility of military intervention and a prolonged US presence.
Speaking on US television network C-SPAN last month, Fernández de CossÃo warned that using American military force against Cuba, which he described as a peaceful neighboring country, would constitute a grave international crime.
The CIA has also used social media to encourage potential intelligence sources to make contact with US diplomatic missions. In a video posted on X, the agency issued Spanish-language guidance urging people with intelligence to contact their nearest US embassy.
Cuba is grappling with a severe economic crisis, with fuel shortages and deteriorating infrastructure contributing to widespread electricity disruptions. US restrictions on oil supplies have added to the country’s difficulties, particularly as its energy system struggles to meet domestic demand.
United Nations human rights experts have condemned the oil-related restrictions, describing them as inconsistent with international law. Human rights advocates have also criticized the Trump administration’s policy toward the island.
The United States has maintained an economic embargo against Cuba for more than six decades. Pressure on Havana intensified further after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January and took him to the United States, a development that has added to concerns over the future of Cuba’s regional and economic ties.
