Trump and Rubio escalate threats toward Cuba

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio made separate comments on Friday, Oct. 23, escalating rhetoric toward Cuba, suggesting Cubans should change their government and hinting at potential U.S. military intimidation. Rubio posted on X that "now is the time" for those seeking positive change in Cuba, while Trump, at a Florida rally, said U.S. military ships returning from the Mideast could make "a little stopover" off Cuba's coast, adding he would send Rubio "to finish up the deal." The CIA also replied to Rubio's post, urging Cubans to "seize this opportunity" through a "discreet partnership." The comments follow months of heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions, including economic pressure via a blockade, a May Justice Department indictment of former President Raúl Castro, and a March White House attempt at an economic deal. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla rejected the threats, warning of "dogtooth, inhospitable" shores for those with hostile intentions.