On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will release a video message in Spanish directed at the Cuban people in observance of Independence Day. This marks the first occasion he has directly addressed the island's residents since assuming his position.
The video, which will be broadcast via the State Department's YouTube channel, is part of the Trump administration's multifaceted pressure campaign against the Cuban regime.
According to Axios, the American outlet that first reported the news, Rubio's speech will focus on GAESA, the Cuban military conglomerate established by Raúl Castro. GAESA reportedly controls assets worth an estimated $18 billion and dominates 70% of the island's economy, encompassing sectors such as hotels, construction, banking, retail, and remittances from the United States.
Rubio's Critique of the Cuban Regime
Rubio directly attributes the lack of electricity, fuel, and food to the regime's leaders: "The real reason you don't have these essentials is that those who control your country have looted billions of dollars without using any of it to aid the people," he asserted in his address.
The Secretary of State was explicit in highlighting the true power behind the regime, stating, "Cuba isn't controlled by any 'revolution.' It's controlled by GAESA."
He also criticized the ruling elites: "The so-called 'government' only plays the role of demanding more 'sacrifices' from you and repressing anyone who dares to complain."
Promise of Aid and a New Relationship
Rubio contrasted the hardships faced by ordinary Cubans—some of whom have electricity for just two hours a day—with the wealth of the elites running GAESA, emphasizing that revolutionary communism is nothing more than a kleptocratic sham.
On behalf of the Trump administration, Rubio pledged $100 million in food and medicine to the Cuban people, on the condition that the distribution is managed by the Catholic Church or other trusted charitable organizations, rather than the regime. "These supplies should not be stolen by GAESA to be sold in their stores," he clarified.
"President Trump offers a new relationship between the U.S. and Cuba. But it must be directly with you, the Cuban people, not with GAESA," Rubio emphasized.
A Day of Symbolic Actions
The speech coincides with significant events: also on Wednesday, the Department of Justice will announce federal charges against Raúl Castro for ordering the shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
This indictment, brought before a federal grand jury in Miami, primarily serves a symbolic purpose, as Castro does not set foot on U.S. soil and there is no extradition treaty with Cuba.
May 20 also commemorates the founding of Cuba as a republic in 1902, following the Spanish-American War. The date has not been celebrated on the island since Fidel Castro's government removed it from the official calendar after the 1959 revolution.
Washington's pressure on Havana has been escalating in recent weeks: on May 1, Trump signed an executive order imposing new sanctions, and on May 7, Rubio announced direct sanctions against GAESA and its president, Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera.
The Potential of the Cuban Diaspora
Rubio concluded his message by highlighting the achievements of Cubans abroad: "Today, from media to entertainment, from the private sector to politics, and from music to sports, Cubans have reached the pinnacle of nearly every industry in every country, except one... Cuba."
"This is not impossible. All of this exists in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and even just 90 miles away in Florida. If owning your own business and having the right to vote is possible around Cuba, why isn't it possible for you in Cuba?" he concluded.
Key Insights into Marco Rubio's Address to Cubans
What was the primary focus of Marco Rubio's speech?
Rubio's speech primarily focused on GAESA, the Cuban military conglomerate, criticizing its control over the island's economy and blaming it for the lack of essential resources for the Cuban people.
What offer did Rubio make on behalf of the Trump administration?
Rubio offered $100 million in food and medicine to the Cuban people, with the condition that distribution be managed by trusted organizations like the Catholic Church, rather than the Cuban regime.
Why is May 20 significant in Cuban history?
May 20 marks the founding of Cuba as a republic in 1902 after the Spanish-American War, although the date is no longer officially celebrated on the island since the 1959 revolution.