Who are the four Cuban Americans who will work in the new Trump administration?

The elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced the appointment of four prominent Cuban Americans to key positions in his new administration, starting January 20, 2025.

These appointments reflect the importance of the Cuban-American community in the foreign policy and strategy of the elected president towards Latin America, particularly on issues related to Cuba, Venezuela, and other countries in the region.

1. Marco Rubio – Secretary of State

Senator Marco Rubio, one of Trump's key allies in Congress and a strong advocate for policies toward Cuba and Venezuela, has been confirmed as Secretary of State in the new administration.

Rubio, who has been a prominent figure in U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Latin America, will oversee U.S. diplomacy in a region that is critical to American interests. This is the highest position a Cuban has held in a U.S. administration.

Marco Rubio was born in 1971 in Miami, Florida, to two Cuban immigrants pursuing the American Dream. His father worked as a banquet server, while his mother was a homemaker and hotel employee.

Rubio was drawn to public service largely due to conversations with his grandfather, who witnessed his home on the island being destroyed by communism. After meeting his wife Jeanette—and earning degrees from the University of Florida and the University of Miami School of Law—Rubio served as a city commissioner in West Miami and as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. In 2010, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate.

2. Mauricio Claver-Carone – Head of Latin American Affairs at the Department of State

Mauricio Claver-Carone, former president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a key figure in Trump's foreign policy, has been appointed to lead Latin American affairs at the State Department.

Claver-Carone, born in Miami, is known for his hardline stance towards the regimes of Cuba and Venezuela, as well as for advocating American interests in the region.

Trump highlighted his deep understanding of the challenges facing Latin America, such as illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. With his experience in the White House and his work at the IDB, Claver-Carone will be a key player in the Trump administration's diplomatic strategy towards Latin America.

Cuban journalist based in the United States, Daniel Benítez Claver-Carone, was the architect of strategies aimed at cutting the Cuban dictatorship's access to international funds, pursuing oil tankers that evaded the embargo, and strengthening economic sanctions against Havana. In the journalist's words, “his appointment is not good news for the regime in Havana, nor for those in Caracas or Managua.”

In August 2020, the official Cuban press labeled Claver-Carone as a "filibuster" and "enemy of America" following his appointment as an advisor to Trump. These remarks reflected the Cuban regime's concern about the potential tightening of U.S. policies under his leadership, which ultimately occurred.

3. Peter Lamelas – Ambassador in Argentina

Peter Lamelas, a prominent Cuban-American businessman and politician, has been appointed as the United States Ambassador to Argentina. Lamelas, who is an exile from the Cuban regime, has extensive experience in international relations and trade, and is known for his pragmatic approach to Latin American issues.

In his new position, Lamelas will be responsible for strengthening relations between the United States and Argentina, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. His appointment underscores the importance of the Cuban-American community in Trump's strategy toward Latin America, especially in key countries of the Southern Cone.

"Peter is a doctor, philanthropist, and an incredible businessman, best known for founding the largest urgent care company in Florida. As a child, Peter and his family fled communist Cuba and legally emigrated to the U.S., starting from scratch and achieving the American dream," Trump wrote while introducing him for the position.

He also recalled the achievements of the appointee in previous positions, such as his involvement with the Medal of Valor Review Board at the Department of Justice and his role on the Florida Board of Medicine.

4. Kevin Marino Cabrera – Ambassador in Panama

Kevin Marino Cabrera was the commissioner of Miami-Dade County and was appointed last week as the United States ambassador to Panama. Trump praised Cabrera as "a fierce advocate" for the principles of "America First" and highlighted his deep understanding of Latin American politics.

The appointment comes amid tensions with Panama concerning the Panama Canal, a topic that Trump mentioned during his campaign and in his statements. Cabrera, the child of Cuban parents, expressed his gratitude for the designation through social media, affirming that he is ready to begin working on representing American interests in the Central American nation.

The appointments of Kevin Marino Cabrera, Mauricio Claver-Carone, Marco Rubio, and Peter Lamelas reflect the growing influence of the Cuban-American community in U.S. politics.

These leaders not only have a deep understanding of the region, but they also share a commitment to the values and principles of the "America First" foreign policy promoted by Trump.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Appointment of Cuban-Americans in the Trump Administration