On the 124th anniversary of Cuba's independence, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a message in Spanish directly to the Cuban people. He attributed the island's crisis to the military conglomerate GAESA and presented a proposition from President Trump: $100 million in food and medical supplies, with the stipulation that their distribution must be managed by the Catholic Church or other trusted charitable organizations.
Rubio asserted, "The reason you lack electricity, fuel, and food is because those in control have looted billions of dollars, none of which has benefited the people." He explicitly refuted the notion that the U.S. embargo is responsible for the hardships faced by Cubans.
He characterized GAESA as "a state within a state accountable to no one," established 30 years ago by Raúl Castro. It is owned by the Cuban Armed Forces, boasts income three times that of the government budget, and controls 70% of the island's economy, with $18 billion in assets.
Rubio explained how the conglomerate profits from hotels, construction, banking, retail, and remittances sent by families abroad, all while withholding a portion of each transfer, ensuring the benefits never reach the Cuban populace.
He further criticized the regime's reliance on free oil from Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro instead of investing in energy infrastructure, using resources instead to build hotels for foreigners and send their relatives to live luxuriously in Madrid and the United States.
This message arrives amid a severe energy crisis: Cuba experiences power outages lasting up to 22 hours daily, with a shortfall reaching 2,113 MW against the 3,250 MW demand as of May 13.
A Vision for a "New Cuba"
Rubio outlined a vision for a "new Cuba" that includes economic freedom for all citizens, not just GAESA's elite: "A new Cuba where ordinary Cubans, not just GAESA, can own a gas station, a clothing store, or a restaurant."
He added the need for press freedom, the right to protest without fear of reprisal, and free elections: "A new Cuba where you can criticize a failing system without fear of imprisonment or being forced to leave your island."
He compared the opportunities available in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Florida to those denied to Cubans on the island, questioning, "If owning a business and having the right to vote is possible around Cuba, why isn't it possible for you in Cuba?"
This message accompanies an intensified pressure campaign. On May 7, Rubio announced specific sanctions against GAESA, its CEO Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, and Moa Nickel S.A., based on an executive order signed by Trump on May 1.
The U.S. has set a deadline of June 5, 2026, for foreign companies to cease operations with sanctioned Cuban entities or face secondary sanctions.
Meanwhile, on May 14, CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials in Havana, signaling that Washington keeps diplomatic channels open while escalating economic pressure.
"In the United States, we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our peoples and countries. Currently, the only obstacle to a better future is those who control your country," Rubio concluded.
Understanding U.S. Policy Toward Cuba and GAESA
What is GAESA and why is it significant in Cuba?
GAESA is a military conglomerate established by Raúl Castro, controlling a significant portion of Cuba's economy. It is seen as a "state within a state" due to its lack of accountability and substantial influence over economic activities.
How does the U.S. plan to assist the Cuban people directly?
The U.S., under President Trump, proposed $100 million in aid, including food and medical supplies, to be distributed by trusted organizations like the Catholic Church, bypassing GAESA to ensure direct assistance to the Cuban people.
What are the implications of the U.S. sanctions on GAESA?
The sanctions aim to cut off GAESA from international operations, pressuring economic reform by targeting its leaders and associated businesses, potentially reshaping Cuba's economic landscape.