Rubio urges Cubans to work with CIA

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 25, 2026

Senator Marco Rubio publicly encouraged Cubans to establish covert communication with U.S. intelligence agencies as part of an intensified effort to undermine Cuba’s communist government. This move marks a rare open appeal from U.S. officials amid ongoing sanctions and signals a more direct intelligence campaign to promote political change on the island.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio called on Cubans on Friday to establish discreet contact with American intelligence agencies as part of ongoing efforts by Washington to challenge Cuba’s communist government. Rubio urged those seeking political change on the island to collaborate quietly with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), signaling an intensified U.S. approach following months of heightened economic, political, and legal pressure.

Speaking on social media, Rubio referenced dissatisfaction in Cuba stemming from broken promises, systemic corruption, and the concentration of privileges among a small elite. He framed this as an opportunity for citizens to pursue change through partnership with the CIA. The statement marked a notable public acknowledgment of active CIA engagement in Cuba, an island long targeted by covert U.S. efforts, including the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.

The call drew swift criticism from Cuban government officials. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio responded on the social media platform X, mocking the public recruitment appeal. He suggested that the CIA’s move reflected desperation within the agency, likening the solicitation to a commonplace commercial sale.

Following Rubio’s message, the CIA itself posted a video on X in Spanish providing guidance for individuals who believe they possess information useful to U.S. intelligence. The agency recommended that, if safely possible, such individuals should visit official U.S. facilities in person. For those engaging online, the instructions emphasized cybersecurity measures, including the use of secure networks like virtual private networks (VPNs), private browsers, and burner email accounts detached from personal identifiers.

This development comes amid heightened rhetoric from key U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, who have not ruled out military intervention or regime change in Cuba. The Biden administration’s policy towards the island has maintained significant pressure through sanctions and diplomatic measures designed to isolate the Cuban communist government.

The recent public overtures underscore a renewed and more overt intelligence campaign aimed at fostering dissent within Cuba, reflecting a broader U.S. strategy to promote political transformation on the island. Cuban authorities, however, continue to reject these efforts as interference and maintain stringent controls over internal dissent.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.