Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted this Wednesday at the White House the Hispanic identity in the United States and connected the attachment of many Latin American families to the country with the experiences lived by them, their parents, or their grandparents in other nations.
"I would say that, as Hispanic Americans, we are Americans. We love this country," stated Rubio during the reception for National Hispanic Heritage Month held in the East Room of the White House.
"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," he added.
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1956, focused much of his speech on the opportunities that, he claimed, many Hispanic families found in the country.
"It is the place that gave us freedom. It is the place that gave us opportunities. It is the place that has given our parents, our grandparents, and many of you the chance not only to thrive in life but to do the most important thing each of us desires: to leave our children in a better situation than our own," he declared.
The Secretary of State concluded his remarks by affirming his American identity and expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump.
"I am proud to be American, and I am proud to be here and to serve under your leadership, Mr. President," he expressed.
Trump once again highlights Rubio's role regarding Cuba
Before giving him the floor, Trump introduced Rubio as "the highest-ranking Hispanic American in the history of our country" and described him as a "master" in his relations with leaders and international interlocutors.
The president then made a direct reference to Cuba.
"Look at what he's doing to Cuba. Look at what he's doing to Cuba," he repeated.
The phrase comes amid the prominent role Rubio has taken in the Trump administration's policy toward Havana.
Just one day earlier, the Secretary of State had asserted during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, that the Cuban regime "has already fallen" and maintained that Cuba needs a transition to a democratic system. He also warned that those who expect a change in Washington's stance "will learn the lesson the hard way".
The statements come after several weeks marked by new U.S. sanctions and messages regarding the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to the crisis between the two governments.
The first Hispanic to lead the Department of State
The Cuban-born politician became in January 2025 the first Hispanic to serve as Secretary of State of the United States, after the Senate confirmed his nomination with 99 votes in favor and none against.
Born in Miami in 1971, Rubio is the son of Mario Rubio and Oriales García, Cuban immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1956, before the triumph of the revolution led by Fidel Castro.
His career took him from the Senate in Florida to becoming one of the highest-ranking Hispanic figures in the U.S. federal government.
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