President Donald Trump praised his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, this Wednesday during an event for Hispanic Heritage Month at the White House, particularly highlighting his actions regarding Cuba.
“Miren lo que hace con Cuba. Miren lo que hace con Cuba,” Trump said to the attendees gathered in the East Room, before describing the head of U.S. diplomacy as a “master” in his relations with international counterparts.
The president also introduced Rubio as "the highest-ranking Hispanic American in the history of our country" and assured that he is "a man whom everyone has fallen in love with."
"It doesn't matter who I deal with, anyone, anywhere in the world: he is 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.
"The Hispanic 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 gave us opportunities," he added.
Rubio concluded his remarks 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 praises come at a time when Rubio has become one of the leading 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 conversations with Havana, while the Cuban government denied the existence of any formal negotiations. Days later, the U.S. president expressed support for a diplomatic resolution rather than a military action against the island.
Rubio reinforced his message this week by stating that the current Cuban system must lead to 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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