U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Cubans to establish discreet contact with American intelligence agencies amid ongoing efforts by the United States to pressure Cuba’s government. Rubio made the appeal on Friday, calling on those seeking change on the island to consider partnering quietly with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
In recent months, the Trump administration has escalated economic, political, and legal measures against Cuba, hinting at possible military intervention as part of a broader campaign to end the country’s communist rule. Rubio framed his remarks as an opportunity for Cubans disillusioned by corruption and unfulfilled promises to contribute to change through confidential cooperation with U.S. intelligence.
The public nature of Rubio’s statement was notable, given the CIA’s long history of covert operations targeting Cuba, including its support of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. In response, Cuban officials dismissed the call as an act of desperation. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio criticized the U.S. move on social media, likening it to publicly marketing intelligence recruitment.
Following Rubio’s comments, the CIA posted a video on the social media platform X providing guidance in Spanish for individuals who believe they have information of interest to the agency. The video advised those wishing to come forward to visit official U.S. locations in person if possible, and offered online security recommendations such as using virtual private networks, private browsers, and anonymous email accounts when submitting information via the CIA’s website. The agency also requested specific details from informants, including their location, occupation, level of access, and contact information.
President Donald Trump reinforced the administration’s stance during a rally in Florida on Friday, expressing his intentions for regime change in Cuba. He made a reference to U.S. naval vessels positioned near Cuban waters and suggested that Rubio would play a role in concluding the process.
The messages from U.S. officials mark a significant intensification of Washington’s campaign against Cuba’s government, blending diplomatic, intelligence, and military signals as part of a wider strategy to undermine the island’s leadership. Cuban authorities continue to reject these efforts, framing them as hostile interference.