Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor under Barack Obama and a key figure in the effort to normalize relations with Cuba, recently criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio's approach on a program hosted by former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. This came shortly after Rubio released a Spanish-language video addressed to the Cuban population, and the Department of Justice announced criminal charges against Raúl Castro.
Rhodes, who directly negotiated with Raúl Castro to re-establish diplomatic ties and traveled to Havana with Obama and Psaki in 2016, described Rubio's video as "remarkable in its arrogance, insensitivity, and hypocrisy."
The former advisor argued that the true audience of the message was not the Cuban people, "most of whom probably won't even see it," but rather Rubio's political base: "the more radical Cuban-Americans in South Florida, who have been clamoring for regime change since the Bay of Pigs invasion."
Economic Crisis and Blame
Addressing the economic crisis on the island, Rhodes argued that the scarcity is not due to the theft by its leaders but because of the decades-long embargo and what he referred to as a fuel blockade imposed by the Trump administration: "If you cut off electricity to hospitals, people die, and children suffer from malnutrition."
Rhodes also dismissed Rubio's credibility on anti-corruption matters, stating that "no one believes this is a genuine anti-corruption agenda" while Donald Trump and his associates are "literally looting the U.S. treasury."
Accusations Against Raúl Castro
Rhodes concluded his comments by labeling the entire operation as "another regime change attempt" that treats the Western Hemisphere "like our empire."
Rubio's video was released on May 20, Cuba's Independence Day and the 124th anniversary of the Republic. In the message, the Secretary of State blamed the military-business conglomerate GAESA for Cuba's economic crisis, offered $100 million in food and medicine to be distributed through the Catholic Church, and proposed a "new relationship" contingent on dealings with the people rather than the regime.
On the same day, the Department of Justice announced charges against Raúl Castro for the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals: Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
The charges, announced at Miami's Freedom Tower by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, include conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of homicide. Castro, who is 94 years old, could face life imprisonment if tried.
Context of Increased Pressure on Cuba
Rhodes' statements come amid heightened pressure from Washington on Havana. Executive Order 14380, signed by Trump on January 29, 2026, imposed tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba, reducing supply by approximately 90%. On May 7, Rubio announced direct sanctions against GAESA and its CEO.
In April, Rhodes had already stated that Cuba is experiencing "the worst humanitarian crisis in its history," with blackouts lasting up to 30 hours a day and over 1,200 political prisoners on the island.
The conservative outlet Newsbusters criticized Psaki and Rhodes for "seething with rage" over the charges against "Cuban tyrant Raúl Castro," also pointing out "the enormous lie about the causes of scarcity in Cuba" and the "gratuitous attacks on the Cuban exile community."
Questions Regarding U.S. Policy on Cuba
What did Ben Rhodes say about Marco Rubio's video?
Ben Rhodes criticized Marco Rubio's video as arrogant and hypocritical, claiming it was aimed at radical Cuban-Americans in South Florida rather than the Cuban people.
What charges were announced against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro was charged with conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of homicide related to the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes in 1996.
How has the U.S. increased pressure on Cuba recently?
The U.S. has increased pressure through Executive Order 14380, imposing tariffs on oil sales to Cuba, and sanctions against GAESA, significantly reducing fuel supply and economic support.