President Donald Trump praised his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Wednesday during an event for Hispanic Heritage Month at the White House, specifically highlighting his actions regarding Cuba.
«Look at what he does with Cuba. Look at what he does with Cuba,» Trump said to the attendees gathered in the East Room, before describing the head of U.S. diplomacy as a «master» in his dealings with international counterparts.
The president also introduced Rubio as "the highest-ranking Hispanic American in the history of our country" and stated that he is "a man whom everyone has fallen in love with."
"It doesn't matter who you deal with, anyone, anywhere in the world: they are a master," Trump stated.
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants and current Secretary of State, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and began part of his speech in Spanish: "Thank you very much for being here with us today."
His speech focused on the identity of Hispanics in the United States and the experiences of families who arrived in the country from other nations.
“Latin Americans are Americans and we love this country,” Rubio stated.
"We love it because many of us know, either firsthand or through our parents or grandparents, what life is like in other countries. That's why we understand how special this country is. It is the place that gave us freedom. It is the place that provided us with opportunities," he added.
Rubio concluded his speech by reaffirming his connection to the United States and thanking Trump: "I am proud to be an American and I am proud to be here and to serve under your leadership, Mr. President."
Trump's praise comes at a time when Rubio has become one of the key figures in Washington's pressure politics towards Havana.
The Secretary of State has summarized the current administration's position by stating that the president wants a Cuba "governed by its people, not by a military class".
In the context of the United Nations General Assembly, Trump stated that Rubio was conducting talks with Havana, while the Cuban government denied that there was a formal negotiation. Days later, the American president expressed a preference for a diplomatic solution over military action against the island.
Rubio intensified his message again this week by stating that the current Cuban system must make way for a democratic transition and warning those who expect Washington to change its stance that “they will learn the lesson the hard way”.
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