Over recent years, Senator Marco Rubio has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the Cuban regime, consistently labeling it as a direct threat to the national security of the United States. With a family background of Cuban immigrants, Rubio has frequently advocated for regime change in Cuba, highlighting the dangers it poses not only to the Cuban people but also to regional stability.
Accusations of Threats to U.S. Security
Following speculation about Rubio's potential candidacy as Secretary of State in a future Donald Trump administration, news outlet CiberCuba revisited some of the Cuban-American senator's notable statements. In one of his recent remarks, Rubio asserted that the Cuban regime is "a direct threat to U.S. national security."
In August 2024, together with Senator Rick Scott, Rubio introduced a Senate resolution condemning the Cuban regime for enabling the presence of hostile actors like China, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela within its borders. "The geographic proximity and Cuba's alignment with our adversaries present a risk we cannot ignore," Rubio stated in an official declaration.
Support for Cuban Opposition and Criticism of Repression
Rubio has been vocal in his support for the Cuban opposition and his condemnation of the Cuban government's repressive tactics. In October 2021, he criticized the regime led by Miguel Díaz-Canel for its response to a planned peaceful march on the island, stating, "Every day, the regime sinks lower in its cowardice," referring to the protest ban and threats against participants.
Repeatedly, Rubio has emphasized his support for Cuban activists whom he believes are "bravely" fighting for democratic change on the island. In 2021, he urged the U.S. government to increase pressure on the Cuban regime and avoid any actions that could be seen as supporting the existing system: "The Cuban regime has repeatedly shown it will not respect human rights. Any support must be contingent on genuine democratic changes."
Economic Policies and Foreign Investments
Rubio has frequently criticized the economic policies of the Cuban regime, arguing that they prioritize government interests over the needs of the people. In an October 2021 statement, the senator expressed, "While the Cuban people suffer from shortages of basic goods, the government invests in luxury hotels and resorts."
He contended that this disconnect between the regime's priorities and the people's needs is proof of the government's disinterest in its citizens' welfare. Additionally, Rubio has warned that foreign investments in Cuba do not benefit the general populace but rather serve to enrich a political elite.
In 2023, he urged international companies to refrain from collaborating with the Cuban regime without assurances that their investments would directly benefit the people: "Every dollar entering Cuba through foreign investments ends up in the pockets of the Cuban elite, not those who truly need it."
Opposition to U.S.-Cuba Engagement
Rubio's stance on U.S.-Cuba relations is steadfast. He considers any engagement without democratic reforms a mistake. In May 2024, Rubio voiced concerns over the Biden administration's plans to ease restrictions on Cuba, arguing that such concessions only "strengthen the oppressive regime and undermine the opposition."
Rubio stressed that any opening must come with a clear commitment from the Cuban regime to democracy and human rights. As he put it: "Until there is freedom in Cuba, the United States must maintain a firm stance. Every concession to the Cuban regime betrays those fighting for freedom on the island."
The Path Forward for Cuba
Rubio maintains that Cuba's future hinges on a governmental change that enables the island's democratization and respects human rights. For him, this is not only a matter of justice for the Cuban people but also a national security concern for the United States.
The Cuban-American senator remains a prominent voice in the Senate on Cuba policy, and his critical stance towards the regime and engagement policies has made him a key figure for those advocating for a stricter approach to bilateral relations with the island.
As tensions in the region escalate and Cuba's ties with adversarial nations of the United States persist, Rubio continues to champion policies aimed, in his view, at strengthening the Cuban opposition and weakening the regime. His statements and actions in the Senate, along with his persistent call for international unity in the fight for freedom in Cuba, underscore his belief that the island's democratization is crucial for both the well-being of its citizens and regional stability.