U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it abundantly clear that he has no plans to visit Cuba while the current government remains in power. "I have no intention of going to Havana with this regime in charge, except to discuss when they are leaving," he declared during an interview with Fox News.
Rubio described the communist regime as a "disaster" and held it accountable for the ongoing crisis on the island, also highlighting its antagonistic stance towards the United States. He reaffirmed his position on Venezuela, warning that his administration will not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro's government.
As the first Cuban-American to lead U.S. diplomacy, Rubio has consistently taken a firm stance against the Cuban government. Back in 2016, during his presidential campaign, he vowed never to travel to Cuba without a regime change—a promise he now reiterates in his official capacity.
Meanwhile, Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez supported Rubio's position, asserting that the regime's days are numbered: "They have oppressed and trampled on an entire nation just to stay in power. No one believes their countless lies and poor propaganda anymore. Their time is running out," he wrote on X.
Bruno Rodríguez's Response to Marco Rubio
The U.S. official's statements sparked a swift reaction from Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who responded on X: "The U.S. Secretary of State wants to visit Havana but only after changing our government. He will be disappointed." Rodríguez Parrilla dismissed that possibility and sharply criticized the American official, pointing out that he "knows absolutely nothing" and was not invited.
"The Secretary of State of #USA wants to visit Havana, but first change our Government. He will be disappointed. He won't be able to know #Cuba, a country he knows absolutely nothing about. He was not invited," Rodríguez wrote in his message.
In his statement, the Cuban diplomat defended the island's political system, asserting that his government has "the support of the people of #Cuba" and that it will "continue to defend the Revolution, independence, and national sovereignty."
"We've seen 13 U.S. presidents and lost count of the Secretaries of State," the diplomat concluded defiantly.
Marco Rubio and Cuba: Key Questions Answered
Why does Marco Rubio refuse to visit Cuba?
Marco Rubio refuses to visit Cuba while its current regime remains in power, citing the regime as a "disaster" responsible for the island's crisis and its hostility towards the United States.
What support does Rubio have for his stance on Cuba?
Rubio's stance is supported by Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez, who believes the Cuban regime's days are numbered due to its oppressive tactics and ineffective propaganda.
How did Cuban officials respond to Rubio's remarks?
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla criticized Rubio's comments, asserting that Rubio will never know Cuba and that the Cuban government has the people's support to continue defending its Revolution.