Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, often referred to as "El Cangrejo," and known for wielding power solely due to his family ties, has shared in an exclusive interview with USA TODAY—his first with a U.S. media outlet—that his day begins around 5 a.m. by reviewing classified documents from Cuba's ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, and the Armed Forces.
At 42, Rodríguez keeps these confidential reports in a Salvatore Ferragamo leather briefcase, discussing them later with his 95-year-old grandfather, sometimes over lunch, as highlighted in USA TODAY's investigation conducted over two days in June in Havana.
This routine portrays an informal exercise of power that contrasts with his official standing: although a colonel in the Ministry of the Interior, Rodríguez does not hold any formal position in the Cuban government. However, he is listed in state documents as being responsible for the personal security of the regime's top leaders.
"It pains me that people cannot live as I do. My greatest regret is that people endure hardships. But I wake up every day to reverse that situation," Rodríguez Castro expressed in the interview.
While the Cuban population endures power outages lasting up to 25 hours daily across more than 55% of the territory, the grandson of the former dictator travels the world by private jet, donned in designer clothes: tight jeans, Hugo Boss t-shirts, Hermès sneakers, and a stainless steel Rolex on his left wrist.
A joint investigation by Panama's La Prensa, Venezuela's Armando.Info, and the Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism documented that between 2024 and late 2025, Rodríguez Castro made at least 23 private trips to Panama for luxury shopping. He did not deny these trips and stated that his aim was to seek investment opportunities for Cuba.
Beyond Personal Security: A Broader Influence
His actual influence extends well beyond personal security. He advises on investments, negotiations, and public policy, having established connections with Washington that no other Cuban official can match. Notably, he conversed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January 2026 after a U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the death of 32 Cuban soldiers; met with Rubio in Saint Kitts and Nevis in February; and was present during CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Havana in May.
Despite the Trump administration sanctioning numerous regime officials—including President Miguel Díaz-Canel—Rodríguez Castro has not been targeted, which analysts view as a deliberate signal.
"Raulito offers them greater flexibility because he is a quasi-official figure. He is a military man, but his role is much broader than officially depicted," stated Pablo Uchoa, a Latin American security expert from University College London.
Negotiating the Island's Future
Rodríguez portrays himself as the individual capable of negotiating directly with Donald Trump over the island's future. "If appointed, I can negotiate with anyone chosen by the U.S. government. Given the opportunity, of course with Trump," he declared.
However, his room for maneuver has clear limits. In mid-April, he sent a secret letter to Trump with proposals for economic cooperation, but it was intercepted by a Customs agent at Miami airport; the businessman carrying it was sent back to Havana.
In June, he supported a fuel supply agreement with a Florida company, which the White House blocked at the last minute.
Rubio, on the other hand, stated before the House Foreign Affairs Committee that he had not found any Cuban official capable of leading a transition aligned with U.S. interests: "I really don't believe this system is capable of reforming itself unless new people take power or a new way of thinking prevails."
"Rodríguez Castro is the avatar of Raúl Castro and wields significant power as long as his grandfather remains alive," summarized María José Espinosa, executive director of the Washington-based Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro
What is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro's role in Cuba?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," is a colonel in the Ministry of the Interior, responsible for the personal security of the regime's leaders. Despite not holding an official government position, he wields significant influence due to his family connections.
How does Rodríguez Castro influence Cuban politics?
Rodríguez Castro impacts Cuban politics through advising on investments, negotiations, and public policy. He has established connections with Washington that are unmatched by other Cuban officials.
Has Rodríguez Castro been sanctioned by the United States?
Despite the Trump administration sanctioning many regime officials, Rodríguez Castro has not been targeted, which analysts interpret as a deliberate signal.