Rubio’s Cuba Obsession Threatens Trump’s Peace Push Says Foreign Minister

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has accused U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of pursuing a “personal and corrupt” agenda that undermines President Donald Trump’s stated commitment to peace. In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Rodríguez claimed Rubio’s aggressive policies toward Cuba and Venezuela are driven by personal motives rather than U.S. national interests.

Rodríguez highlighted a shift in U.S.-Cuba relations since Trump’s return to office in January 2025. While Cuba initially hoped for a thaw in the decades-long antagonistic relationship, Rubio’s influence has led to heightened tensions. The U.S. has reinstated stringent economic sanctions, reversed Biden-era policies by redesignating Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, and imposed visa restrictions on Cuban officials involved in medical missions, which Rubio labels “forced labor.”

“Rubio, born to Cuban immigrants but never having visited Cuba, knows little about our country,” Rodríguez said. “His extremist approach sacrifices U.S. interests for personal gain.” The State Department did not respond to requests for comment, but Rubio has previously defended his stance, accusing Cuba’s government of running a dictatorship and vowing to uphold human rights in the region.

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Cuba continues to grapple with the effects of a six-decade U.S. embargo, which has triggered energy shortages, inflation, and food scarcity. Rodríguez emphasized Cuba’s desire to end the embargo and foster dialogue, noting ongoing cooperation with the U.S. on issues like counterterrorism and migration. However, he expressed concern over Rubio’s broader Latin American agenda, particularly recent U.S. naval maneuvers off Venezuela’s coast, which he called a dangerous escalation.

The Trump administration has accused Cuba of supporting Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. claims relies on Cuban military and intelligence aid. Rodríguez denied these allegations and warned that U.S. actions, including fatal strikes on alleged drug boats, risk “catastrophic consequences” in the region. When pressed on whether Cuba would militarily back Venezuela in the event of a U.S. invasion, Rodríguez remained noncommittal, stating, “We cannot predict the future.”

Despite the tensions, Rodríguez expressed optimism about improving ties with the U.S., saying, “Cuba is ready for serious and responsible dialogue with the Trump administration, starting today.”

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