US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio intensified pressure on Cuba, describing the island nation as a failed state and a continuing national security threat to the United States. Speaking separately in Florida and at the White House, both officials signalled a tougher posture towards Havana while also leaving open the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
Trump, responding to questions about Cuba during an Oval Office event on deregulation, said the United States wanted to help the Cuban people and Cuban Americans reconnect with the island. Trump said Cuban Americans in Florida wanted to invest in and rebuild Cuba. Hours earlier, Rubio had delivered a far sharper assessment during remarks to reporters at Miami Homestead Airport before departing for India. Mr. Rubio said Cuba hosted Russian and Chinese intelligence presence and had acquired weapons systems from both countries over the years. He also accused Havana of supporting destabilising groups in Latin America.
Rubio said Washington was prepared to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba, but only through independent groups and not through Cuban military-linked entities. He accused Cuba’s military-linked company GAESA of diverting resources meant for ordinary citizens. Rubio also dismissed suggestions that the administration was pursuing nation-building. The Trump administration has steadily tightened its Cuba policy in recent months through sanctions, criminal indictments and diplomatic pressure. Cuba has also faced worsening economic conditions, rolling blackouts and shortages of food and fuel over the past several years.
