Marco Rubio Proposes a "New Relationship" with Cubans, Targets GAESA Directly

On Cuba's Independence Day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a Spanish-language video message to the Cuban people, blaming the military-business conglomerate GAESA for the hardships on the island. He extended an offer, on behalf of President Donald Trump, for a "new relationship" with Cuba.

This marked the first occasion Rubio addressed the Cuban populace directly in Spanish in his capacity as Secretary of State, as part of the Trump administration's multi-layered pressure campaign against Havana.

"The real reason you lack electricity, fuel, and food is because those in control of your country have embezzled billions of dollars, and none of it has been used to aid the people," Rubio stated in the video shared from his official account.

The speech focused on a direct critique of GAESA (Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A.), established 30 years ago by Raúl Castro. According to Rubio, GAESA holds $18 billion in assets and dominates 70% of the Cuban economy through its control of hotels, construction, banks, stores, and remittances.

"Cuba is not governed by any revolution. Cuba is run by GAESA," declared the Secretary of State, adding that "the only role of the so-called government is to demand sacrifices from you and suppress anyone daring to complain."

A Vision for a New Cuba

Rubio contrasted GAESA's accumulated wealth with the Cuban people's suffering, enduring power outages of up to 22 hours daily. He pointed out that the regime used free oil from Venezuela to enrich itself instead of investing in electrical infrastructure.

In Trump's name, Rubio offered $100 million in food and medicine to Cubans, with a clear stipulation: that these resources be distributed by the Catholic Church or other trusted charitable groups, not seized by GAESA to be sold in their stores.

"President Trump is proposing a new relationship between the United States and Cuba. But it must be directly with you, the Cuban people, not with GAESA," emphasized Rubio.

The message also outlined a vision for a "new Cuba" where ordinary citizens—not just the military elite—could own businesses, access independent media, and choose their leaders through free elections.

Imposing Sanctions and Legal Actions

The video was released amid escalating pressures. On May 1, Trump signed Executive Order 14404, imposing new sanctions on Cuba—a date suggested by Rubio to coincide with International Workers' Day.

On May 7, Rubio announced the first designations under this order: direct sanctions against GAESA, its CEO Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, and Moa Nickel S.A.

That same day, the U.S. set a June 5 deadline for foreign companies with GAESA ties to cut relations or face secondary sanctions.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department filed formal charges against Raúl Castro for ordering the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, resulting in four deaths.

Sources cited by Axios indicate that this legal step suggests negotiations between Washington and Havana for a peaceful transition are not progressing significantly.

U.S. intelligence sources also report that Cuba has acquired at least 300 attack drones from Russia and China and hosts military and intelligence personnel from Iran, Russia, and China on its territory.

Rubio closed his message with a direct warning to the regime: "In the United States, we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our people and our countries. And right now, the only obstacle to a better future is those who control your country."