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In recent statements, the former Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás has stirred controversy by claiming that Marco Rubio "must be very uncomfortable" in the position of Secretary of State, a role he has held since January 21st.
Ugás explained his arguments in a post on , indicating that the appointment of the former senator would involve facing challenges that could reveal discrepancies between his convictions and the demands of current foreign policy.
“I always dreamed of Marco Rubio becoming vice president, although I knew it was almost impossible due to that rule that prevents the president and vice president from being from the same state – because they would lose the votes, and in the case of Florida, they would have completely lost them!” Ugás began his presentation.
The winner of the 2005 Amateur Lightweight Boxing World Championship noted that last year, while addressing a family matter, he was in close contact with the office of then-Senator Rubio and always told his mother: "That's going to be one of the most powerful men in the country."
However, he pointed out that for the role of Secretary of State, "the truth is that he is extremely prepared", noting that it is also a key position in the government; he also stated that "the big difference is that being vice president ties you down for four years, almost without an option".
Then he argued: “With what is coming as Secretary of State, I doubt that Marco will make it to the end... and I hope I am wrong”.
According to Ugás, the Floridian “must be really uncomfortable,” because “if you’ve spent your career condemning the dictatorships of Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, criticizing left and right, and even hating the murderer Putin… how can you go from one extreme to the other? Although I clarify, the role of the Secretary of State is to carry out the policies of the president, and that needs to be made very clear.”
To stir the debate, Ugás posed a question that he left open to his followers. “And here remains a question I have asked myself since the first day: Do you think Marco Rubio knew everything that was going to happen with Venezuela and Ukraine and, even so, accepted the position?”.
Her question was met with various opinions in the publication, where a division of views predominated.
"Marco Rubio may not agree on many things, but democracy must prevail and provide the best for the country. Politics require a clear mind, focused on achieving a country with a strong economy, security, and quality public services. To help others, one must first be in good shape, and with the cold that the USA has right now, it can't continue treating the fever of the whole world," expressed one of the internet users.
Another person reflected on the short time the current Secretary of State has been in office. "They are judging four years of management based on just one month that these individuals have been in their positions. There is still much to observe. Who knows what the final strategy for all of this is? We need to wait a little longer. That's my opinion. But I understand the uncertainty that is felt at this moment," they noted.
A user took their arguments a step further. "Let me tell you something that you might not like: that’s politics, all for convenience. Today it’s blue, and tomorrow it’s green. What I do believe is that Trump played everyone who thought he was a lion, and now it turns out he’s a rabbit being controlled by the real president... Elon Musk. He bought the elections to do as he pleases; today in the U.S., Elon is the one in charge."
A leadership with a Latin touch and a strong stance
Rubio, 53 years old and the son of Cuban immigrants, became the first Hispanic to hold this strategic position and the first member of Donald Trump's cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate.
The voting was resolved with an overwhelming support of 99 votes in favor and none against, also receiving the Democratic vote.
This result reflects not only the bipartisan confidence in his abilities but also the recognition of his political career and his focus on foreign policy issues, making him a key figure to lead the Department of State at a time of global challenges.
In his first tour, Rubio made an official visit to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. During this trip, he emphasized the importance of the region for the security and economic growth of the United States, and made it clear that his administration will seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation, while also criticizing the influence of authoritarian regimes and powers like China in the hemisphere.
One of the most significant actions of his administration has been the interim assumption of control over USAID. Rubio has criticized the agency for not effectively promoting national interests, pushing for a restructuring that aligns it closely with the government's foreign policy. Additionally, he has ordered the suspension of new commitments for foreign aid in various areas—health, education, development, and security—aiming to review the effectiveness and coherence of these programs.
The agenda of Rubio also includes strategic meetings with high-ranking officials of the U.S. Southern Command, with whom he has discussed the need for greater coordination in defense and security, especially in the face of challenges such as irregular migration and the influence of foreign actors in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Also, important steps have been taken to address the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During a meeting with Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, the Secretary of State emphasized the need to leverage Donald Trump's leadership to bring the opposing parties together and promote serious negotiations to end the conflict.
In that meeting, measures were also announced to form a negotiating team aimed at exploring pathways to peace, reaffirming the stance that only strong and decisive leadership – in their words, that of Trump – can achieve progress in the peace process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yordenis Ugás and Cuban and American Politics
Why does Yordenis Ugás think Marco Rubio is uncomfortable as Secretary of State?
Yordenis Ugás believes that Marco Rubio feels uncomfortable because, as Secretary of State, he must face challenges that could contradict his personal convictions, especially after spending his career condemning dictatorships in countries like Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, and criticizing figures such as Vladimir Putin.
What challenges does Marco Rubio face in his current role according to Yordenis Ugás?
According to Yordenis Ugás, Marco Rubio faces the challenge of advancing the president's policies, even if they contradict his past criticisms of authoritarian regimes. Additionally, he must navigate complicated situations with countries like Venezuela and Ukraine, which could test his political coherence.
How has the Cuban community reacted to Marco Rubio's appointment?
The Cuban community has divided opinions about Marco Rubio's appointment as Secretary of State. Some see him as a figure capable of curbing the influence of authoritarian regimes in Latin America, while others express uncertainty and skepticism about his ability to manage foreign policy effectively.
What is Yordenis Ugás's stance on the Cuban regime?
Yordenis Ugás is a fervent critic of the Cuban regime, which he accuses of human rights violations and being illegitimate. His activism focuses on advocating for the freedom of Cuba and expressing his desire for those responsible for the repression on the island to be brought to justice.
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