Republican Representative Carlos Giménez sharply criticized members of his own party on Tuesday for opposing military intervention in Cuba, charging them with never having discussed the matter with former President Trump and lacking a commitment to support the Cuban people.
Giménez's remarks were in reaction to a The Hill article that reported several Republican senators warning against military strikes on the regime, arguing that the military is already stretched thin with engagements in Iran.
"I understand that THESE Senate Republicans have NEVER spoken with the President about Cuba," Giménez stated on his X account.
"Thinking about it, they've never shown much willingness to side with the Cuban people," he added.
As the only Congress member born in Cuba, Giménez firmly defended the administration's policy: "President Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio have done much to undermine the regime in Cuba, and we are proud to work together and support their efforts to do even more."
Among the senators opposing military intervention is Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who emphasized the priority is to "open the Strait of Hormuz" and prefers that regime change in Cuba occurs "organically" through economic pressure.
"I'd love to see a regime change, we all would, in Cuba," Thune expressed. "Perhaps that will happen through the force of events. Maybe something will happen organically."
Senator James Lankford, Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference, bluntly stated: "No, I would not support" a military operation, pointing out, "there is significant economic pressure that can be applied to Cuba that alone makes a big difference."
Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, simply replied "no" when asked about supporting a military operation, while Senator Rand Paul cautioned it would be "a mistake" and mentioned discussions with the Cuban ambassador, who indicated the island is "open to negotiations" and "American investment."
Senator Shelley Moore Capito downplayed the prospect: "It's very low on the list, if it's even on any list. I think we need to focus on what's happening in Iran."
The debate comes amid a sustained escalation of Trump's policy towards Cuba. In early May, the president declared that the U.S. would take control of the island "almost immediately" and suggested deploying an aircraft carrier off its shores, while the Navy and Air Force have increased reconnaissance flights in the area.
On April 29, a Democratic resolution under the War Powers Act to limit Trump's authority over Cuba failed in the Senate with a 51 to 47 vote. Only Collins and Paul aligned with the Democrats then, but now several senators who blocked that resolution publicly voice their opposition to military action, intensifying the internal tension within the Republican Party that Giménez highlights.
Since January 2026, the Trump administration has imposed more than 240 new sanctions on the Cuban regime, including an energy embargo that slashed the island's oil imports by 80% to 90%.
Key Questions on U.S. Policy Towards Cuba
Why are some Republicans against military action in Cuba?
Some Republicans argue that military forces are already stretched with commitments in Iran and believe that economic pressures are a more effective method for instigating change in Cuba.
What is Carlos Giménez's stance on the situation in Cuba?
Carlos Giménez supports the Trump administration's aggressive policies towards Cuba and criticizes fellow Republicans who oppose military intervention, accusing them of not supporting the Cuban people.
What actions have been taken by the U.S. against the Cuban regime since 2026?
Since 2026, the U.S. has enforced over 240 new sanctions on Cuba, including an energy embargo that significantly reduced the island's oil imports.