Rubio invites Cubans to form quiet ties with CIA as U.S. pressure mounts

Cuban citizens seeking political change now have a direct channel to the U.S. intelligence community. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly encouraged individuals who want to reshape their country to establish a "discrete partnership" with the Central Intelligence Agency. This directive marks the latest expansion in the Trump administration's strategy to apply pressure on Cuba's current government.

Rubio made the call on X on Friday, October 23. He cited the "disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few" as reasons to act. The CIA followed suit by reposting the message in English and Spanish. The agency included a video that outlined the specific steps for contacting the organization.

The appeal arrives while daily life in Cuba grows more difficult. Strict U.S. sanctions and an embargo have driven up prices for basic goods. Access to medical care has shrunk, with citizens reporting long lines for bread and doctor appointments. Last week, the U.S. government added economic pressure by targeting Cuba's state-run bank, citing its financial ties to Iran.

President Donald Trump amplified the pressure during a campaign rally in South Florida on Friday. He linked the situation to U.S. Navy warships deployed near the Strait of Hormuz. "We'll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran," he said. Trump described a scenario where a warship would stop "about 50 yards off the coast" of Cuba. He predicted that Cuban officials would signal surrender before Rubio arrived to negotiate a final agreement.

Havana rejected the new approach on Friday. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla responded on X to what he called U.S. ambitions. "We reject any threats stemming from U.S. ambitions toward Cuba," he wrote. He characterized the island's coastline as rugged and inhospitable to those arriving with hostile intentions.

The diplomatic exchange highlights the increasing directness of U.S. engagement with Cuban reformers. The administration is moving from general pressure to specific operational requests. The CIA's video guide provides a concrete method for citizens to reach the agency. Rubio's comments suggest a shift toward informal cooperation rather than traditional diplomatic channels.