Marco Rubio urges Cubans to partner with CIA as Trump hints at intervention

Public recruitment drive

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Cubans to enter into a partnership with the Central Intelligence Agency to overthrow the island's communist government.

In a post on X addressed to Cubans seeking political change, Rubio urged citizens to seize what he described as an opportunity to end economic mismanagement and corruption. "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," Rubio wrote.

Hours after Rubio's statement, the CIA released an instructional video in Spanish on X detailing how individuals in Cuba could safely contact American intelligence. The agency advised citizens to use virtual private networks, private browsers and burner email accounts, or to visit an official US facility in person if traveling safely abroad.

Trump suggests naval show of force

The intelligence appeal coincided with remarks by President Donald Trump at a Florida campaign rally, where he floated the idea of using American warships to pressure Havana.

Trump told supporters that military vessels returning from operations in Iran could make a brief stop near the Cuban coastline. "We'll have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast," Trump said. "They'll raise up their hands. And then we're going to send Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal."

The administration has steadily raised pressure on Cuba since the US military seized former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. Washington later imposed a naval oil blockade that has severely restricted fuel deliveries to the island.

Havana mocks desperation

Cuban officials quickly rejected the rhetoric, ridiculing Washington's decision to advertise intelligence recruitment openly on social media.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio wrote on X that the effort displayed "a great deal of desperation or misery within the agency for it to be forced to sell its services like a tube of toothpaste."

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez responded directly to Trump's naval comments, warning against any attempt at aggression. "Our coastline is full of beautiful beaches, but there are also razor-sharp limestone spikes, an inhospitable environment for those who make it to our shores with hostile purposes," Rodriguez stated on X.

Prolonged economic crisis

The diplomatic confrontation comes as Cuba faces one of its worst economic crises in decades. Its 10 million residents have contended with widespread power outages, food shortages and steep inflation, prompting hundreds of thousands to flee the country.

While Trump previously indicated that the US and Cuba might reach a deal without military action, bilateral talks held in recent months failed to yield an agreement, prompting Washington to impose additional sanctions.