Rubio Invites Cubans to Form Discrete CIA Partnerships

Cuban citizens seeking political change can now establish direct, quiet ties with the Central Intelligence Agency, according to a public appeal by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a post on X on Friday, October 23, Rubio urged residents to seize the moment to drive transformation through a "discrete partnership with the CIA." He cited the "disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few" as the primary drivers for this new channel of communication.

The CIA immediately reposted Rubio’s message, alongside a version written in Spanish. The agency included a video that detailed specific steps for individuals to contact the intelligence agency. This move marks a formal expansion of the Trump administration’s strategy to pressure the Cuban government, which has faced a strict U.S. embargo for decades.

Economic hardship on the island has intensified alongside the diplomatic pressure. Prices for basic goods have risen sharply, and access to medical care has diminished. Reports indicate that Cubans have spent hours waiting in lines for bread and medical appointments. Last week, the U.S. government imposed additional economic sanctions on Cuba’s state-run bank, stating the institution maintains ties to Iran.

President Donald Trump addressed the situation at a campaign rally in South Florida on Friday. He referenced U.S. Navy warships currently deployed near the Strait of Hormuz and stated, "We'll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran." Trump described a hypothetical scenario where one of the vessels would stop approximately 50 yards from the Cuban coast. He predicted that Cuban residents would raise their hands in support before he sent Rubio to "finish up the deal."

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla responded to the remarks on X on Friday. He rejected the rhetoric as a threat stemming from U.S. ambitions toward the island. Rodríguez Parrilla described the coastline as rugged and inhospitable to those arriving with hostile intentions and a desire for domination.

The direct appeal to the population adds a new layer to the administration's approach, which previously relied on economic sanctions and military positioning. The CIA’s provision of a step-by-step guide for contact signals a shift toward engaging directly with individuals on the island.