Rubio asks Cubans to join CIA

Cubans who want to alter their government’s direction can now contact the Central Intelligence Agency directly. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a message on X on Friday encouraging citizens to seek "positive change" by forming a "discrete partnership" with the agency. The post included a video that detailed the specific steps required to reach CIA handlers.

The CIA reposted Rubio’s message shortly after its publication. The agency also released a version of the appeal in Spanish. Rubio cited the "disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few" as reasons for the timing. He told readers to "seize this opportunity" to create the change they desire.

This outreach occurs while Cuba faces severe economic strain under U.S. sanctions. Prices for basic goods have risen sharply, and access to medical care has declined. Reports indicate that residents have waited hours in lines for bread and to see doctors. The U.S. government announced additional sanctions last week targeting Cuba’s state-run bank. Washington stated that the institution has ties to Iran.

President Donald Trump also discussed the situation on Friday during a campaign rally in South Florida. He linked the pressure on Cuba to U.S. military operations near Iran. "We'll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran," Trump said, referring to Navy warships deployed near the Strait of Hormuz. He described a scenario where one of the ships would stop about 50 yards off the Cuban coast. "They'll raise up their hands, and then we're going to send Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal," he added.

Cuba’s government responded to the U.S. statements on Friday. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla posted on X that the island rejects threats stemming from U.S. ambitions. He described the Cuban coastline as rugged and inhospitable to those arriving with hostile intentions. "We reject any threats stemming from U.S. ambitions toward Cuba," Rodríguez Parrilla wrote.

The U.S. move marks a new phase in the administration's strategy to pressure Cuba’s communist government. The combination of economic sanctions and direct intelligence outreach aims to isolate the current leadership. Cuba’s state-run bank remains a key target of the new sanctions package. The warships in the region continue their deployments near the Strait of Hormuz.

Rubio’s post remains live on X with the accompanying video. The CIA’s Spanish-language appeal is also available on their social media channels. Cuba’s foreign ministry has not announced a new formal response beyond the minister’s post. The next scheduled diplomatic meeting between U.S. and Cuban officials is not yet set for a date.