During a press briefing, President Donald Trump referred to Cuba as a "failed state" and hinted that it would be a topic of future discussion. This remark came in response to a query about whether he had any message for the island nation.
Trump emphasized that the current system in Cuba has not served its people well, stating that the Cuban populace has endured hardships for many years. He expressed Washington's desire to assist both those residing in Cuba and those who were forced to leave and now live in the United States.
Following his comments, Trump handed the discussion over to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to elaborate further.
Rubio urged that the president's words should be taken seriously and unleashed a barrage of criticism toward the Cuban government. He described Cuba as a "disaster," pointing out that their economy is on the brink of collapse.
Moreover, Rubio connected Cuba to providing protection for Nicolás Maduro, highlighting that "all the guards helping protect Maduro and his entire intelligence agency are filled with Cubans." He argued that one of Venezuela's issues is their need to declare independence from Cuba, asserting that Cuba has essentially tried to colonize them.
In conclusion, Rubio issued a stark warning: "If I were in Havana and part of the government, I'd be at least a little worried."
Insights into U.S.-Cuba Relations
Why did President Trump label Cuba as a "failed state"?
President Trump called Cuba a "failed state" because he believes the current system in Cuba has not been beneficial for its people, leading to prolonged suffering.
What was Marco Rubio's stance on Cuba's role in Venezuela?
Marco Rubio criticized Cuba for its involvement in Venezuela, claiming that Cuban personnel are heavily involved in protecting Nicolás Maduro and suggesting that Venezuela needs to declare independence from Cuban influence.
How does the U.S. plan to help the Cuban people?
The U.S. aims to support both the residents of Cuba and the Cuban diaspora who have settled in the United States as a result of being forced to leave their homeland.