Rubio calls on Cubans to partner with CIA ‘to create positive change’

On October 23, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump told a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida, that U.S. warships returning from Iran could stop over near Cuba to potentially intervene there, reigniting calls for military action against the island nation. This came just days before midterm elections where voters were expressing concern about economic impacts of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Following Trump's comments, Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans on social media to partner with the CIA to bring about political change in Cuba, suggesting a push for regime change by leveraging public support and information gathering. The Cuban government responded negatively, viewing these calls as an attempt to destabilize their country through covert operations. Meanwhile, Washington has maintained a decades-long embargo against Cuba and intensified pressure on Havana following the U.S.-led seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier in 2026. Cuba's Foreign Minister had previously stated at the UN General Assembly that Cuba would remain open for dialogue with Washington. The CIA later posted a video in Spanish, inviting Cubans to collaborate discreetly by providing information and visiting official U.S. facilities if possible. Cuban officials, however, criticized these efforts as desperate measures indicative of internal struggles within the CIA.