In recent years, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has established himself as one of the most vocal critics of the Cuban regime, which he has repeatedly identified as a direct threat to the national security of the United States.
Rubio, who comes from a family of Cuban immigrants, has repeatedly advocated for a regime change in Cuba and has warned about the risks this poses both to the Cuban people and to regional stability.
In light of the rumors suggesting Rubio as a potential future Secretary of State in Donald Trump's new administration, CiberCuba highlights some of the statements made by the Cuban-American senator that have made headlines in this outlet.
"A threat to U.S. national security."
In one of his most recent statements, Rubio asserted that the Cuban regime is "a direct threat to the national security" of the United States.
In August 2024, alongside his colleague Rick Scott, he introduced a resolution in the Senate condemning the Cuban regime for its role in facilitating the presence of hostile actors such as China, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela on Cuban soil.
"The geographical proximity and Cuba's alignment with our adversaries pose a risk that we cannot ignore," Rubio said in an official statement.
Criticism of repression in Cuba and support for the opposition
The senator has also been clear in his support for the Cuban opposition and in his condemnation of the Cuban government's repressive tactics.
In October 2021, Rubio criticized Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime for its response to the call for a peaceful march on the island: “Each day the regime sinks further into cowardice,” Rubio stated, referring to the ban on the protest and the threats from the Cuban government against those who planned to attend.
Rubio has emphasized on several occasions his support for Cuban activists who, in his view, are "bravely" fighting for democratic change on the island.
In 2021, he urged the United States government to increase pressure on the Cuban regime and to avoid any actions that could be interpreted as support for the current system on the island: “The Cuban regime has repeatedly shown that it will not respect human rights. Any support must be contingent upon genuine democratic changes.”
The Cuban regime and the economy
Marco Rubio has also criticized the Cuban regime's economic policy on multiple occasions, noting that it prioritizes the interests of the government over the needs of the population.
In a statement in October 2021, the senator expressed, "While the Cuban people are suffering from a shortage of basic goods, the government is investing in luxury hotels and resorts."
Rubio argued that this disconnect between the regime's priorities and the needs of the people is evidence of the government's lack of interest in the well-being of its citizens.
Moreover, Rubio has warned that foreign investments in Cuba do not benefit the general population; rather, they are designed to enrich a political elite.
In 2023, the senator urged international companies to refrain from collaborating with the Cuban regime without assurances that their investments would directly benefit the people: “Every dollar that comes into Cuba through foreign investments ends up in the pockets of the Cuban elite, not in those of the citizens who need it.”
Criticism of policies aimed at rapprochement with Cuba.
Rubio's stance on the relations between the United States and Cuba has been unequivocal. For him, any attempt at rapprochement that is not contingent upon democratic reforms is a mistake.
In May 2024, the senator expressed his concerns regarding the Biden administration's plans to ease restrictions on Cuba, arguing that such concessions only "strengthen the oppressive regime and undermine the opposition."
Rubio emphasized that any opening must be accompanied by a clear commitment from the Cuban regime to democracy and human rights.
In Rubio's words: "As long as there is no freedom in Cuba, the United States must maintain a firm stance. Every concession made to the Cuban regime is a betrayal of those who are fighting for freedom on the island."
This stance reflects his conviction that any form of assistance or cooperation with Cuba must be accompanied by strict conditions that ensure significant improvements in the rights and freedoms of the Cuban people.
Marco Rubio and the Future of Cuba
Rubio has maintained that Cuba's future hinges on a change of government that would allow for the democratization of the island and the respect for human rights. For him, this is not only a matter of justice for the Cuban people but also a matter of national security for the United States.
The Cuban-American senator remains one of the most influential voices in the Senate regarding policy toward Cuba, and his critical stance on the regime and rapprochement policies has made him a key figure for those advocating a more stringent approach to bilateral relations with the island.
As tensions in the region escalate and ties between Cuba and nations opposed to the United States persist, Rubio continues to advocate for policies that he believes will strengthen the Cuban opposition and weaken the regime.
His statements and actions in the Senate, along with his persistent call for the international community to unite in the fight for freedom in Cuba, make it clear that Rubio believes democratization of the island is essential for both the well-being of the Cuban people and the stability of the region.
Filed under: