US Secretary Urges Cubans to Form Discreet Partnership with CIA

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking change to form a discrete partnership with the CIA, stating that now is the time for those looking to create positive change in Cuba to act.

Rubio wrote on social media that the disappointment of failed promises, corruption, and the privileged lives of only a few should motivate action and encouraged Cubans to seize the opportunity to create the change they desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.

The Trump administration has repeatedly stated that its goal is to bring about a change in Havana’s leadership, with President Donald Trump having claimed the country is ready to fall. In January, Trump announced an oil blockade of Cuba following a US military operation to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, asserting that there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba.

Speaking to reporters in September, Trump said he believed a deal with Cuba could be made and indicated he did not think the military would be needed. The CIA has provided guidance for Cubans wanting to work with the agency, advising them not to use a device or internet connection linked to their identity or workplace and to remove all software, apps and programmes from the device used to contact the agency.

The CIA requests that people wishing to get in touch share their base location, job title, and the type or level of access they have to information of interest to the organisation.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Rubio’s call frames US policy toward Cuba as an active effort to encourage internal actors to pursue change in partnership with US intelligence. The administration’s public posture of pressure, including an announced oil blockade, aligns with messaging that seeks to isolate Cuba economically and politically while signalling channels for engagement with US agencies.

The CIA guidance for potential contacts underscores an operational emphasis on secrecy and caution for those considering cooperation, reflecting the risks inherent in clandestine engagement.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Marco Rubio urged Cubans to form a discrete partnership with the CIA to create change in Cuba.
• The Trump administration has stated its goal of changing Havana’s leadership and announced an oil blockade in January.
• President Donald Trump said a deal with Cuba could be made and suggested the military might not be necessary.
• The CIA advised potential Cuban contacts to avoid using devices linked to their identity or workplace and to remove software and apps from contact devices.
• The CIA asked contacts to provide base location, job title, and type or level of access to information.