WASHINGTON, United States — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Cubans seeking political change to establish discreet contact with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Cuba’s communist government.
Rubio made the appeal on social media Friday, October 23, encouraging Cubans dissatisfied with their government to consider cooperating with US intelligence services.
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“To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba, now is the time,” Rubio wrote.
He urged those frustrated by what he described as failed promises, corruption and privileges enjoyed by a small group to “seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.”
The remarks came amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana, with President Donald Trump and senior US officials raising the prospect of more direct action against the Cuban government.
Speaking at a rally in Florida on Friday, Trump said the United States would address Cuba after dealing with Iran and suggested Rubio would be sent to the island to “finish up the deal.”
Cuban officials responded sharply to Washington’s statements. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío criticised the public appeal for intelligence cooperation, accusing the United States of resorting to open recruitment for the CIA.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez also warned against what he described as hostile intentions towards the island, declaring that Cuba would resist attempts at domination.
The latest exchanges come as the Trump administration increases economic and political pressure on Cuba, which is already grappling with fuel shortages, power outages and longstanding economic difficulties. Washington has imposed restrictions on fuel supplies to the island and threatened sanctions against countries that provide oil to Cuba.
The United States has maintained an economic embargo against Cuba for more than six decades, while successive American administrations have sought political change on the island.
Rubio’s appeal represents an unusually direct public call for Cubans to cooperate with American intelligence services. It also adds to concerns in Havana that Washington’s pressure campaign could extend beyond economic measures and diplomatic efforts.
Cuba’s government has rejected US attempts to dictate its political future, while Washington maintains that political change is necessary to address longstanding grievances over governance and civil liberties.
