Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered an unusually direct message about Cuba on Friday, October 23, 2026. In a post on X, Rubio urged Cubans who want political change to act now, then pointed them toward cooperation with the CIA. That is not exactly the sort of bland diplomatic language usually produced after twelve meetings and a stack of briefing folders.
Rubio wrote, “To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba – now is the time. The disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few; seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.”
The post encouraged Cubans to work with the U.S. intelligence agency, but it did not identify a specific operation or explain what the proposed cooperation would involve. In other words, the message was bold on the invitation and short on the operational details. The CIA is not exactly a neighborhood civic club, so the wording naturally drew attention.
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants and a former Florida senator, has long supported a tougher U.S. policy toward Havana. He has criticized Cuba’s communist leadership and opposed efforts to normalize relations without political reforms. The report also noted that Rubio has described Cuba as a national security threat because of its relationships with U.S. adversaries.
President Trump added his own dramatic suggestion during a rally for candidates in South Florida. Speaking about U.S. warships returning from the Middle East after the Iran war, Trump said they could stop near Cuba before sending Rubio to handle the next step.
“We’ll do a little stopover,” Trump said. “Actually, what we’re going to do with Cuba is, we’re going to come back from Iran. Those beautiful ships will pass Cuba. We’ll have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast. They’ll raise up their hands. And then we’re going to send (Secretary of State) Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal.”
The comments revive an idea Trump had floated earlier in the year, when he suggested Cuba could be next for U.S. intervention after the winding down of the Iran war he had forecast. In May, Trump and Rubio again raised the possibility of military action. Trump told reporters that past presidents had considered intervening in Cuba for decades, adding, “it looks like I’ll be the one that does it.”
At the same time, Rubio has said the administration wants to resolve differences with Cuba peacefully, while expressing doubts that Havana’s current government would accept a genuine diplomatic resolution. That leaves Washington publicly talking about peace while also discussing intelligence cooperation, naval pressure, and sending Rubio across the water to finish the deal. Rubio’s post did not provide further details about what a partnership with the CIA would involve.
To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba – now is the time.
The disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few; seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 23, 2026
Trump: "We'll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran … those beautiful ships, they'll pass Cuba. We'll have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast. They'll raise up their hands, and then we're gonna send Marco Rubio in." pic.twitter.com/BLfMmzHtFq
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 23, 2026
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