U.S. politics once again brings Cuba into the limelight with the latest development involving the Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio. A social media post stating that Marco Rubio may become the president of Cuba has drawn the most unexpected support from none other than former U.S. President Donald Trump, who commented in support, “Sounds good to me!” While there is little substantiation for such statements via social media, these developments have become a signal of the increasingly assertive stance of the U.S. in Latin America.
Marco Rubio as Cuba’s Leader
Speculation regarding Rubio heading the government of Cuba is purely hypothetical in nature. Rubio, himself a Cuban American, has never yet assumed any sort of position with the government of Cuba. It also bears mentioning here that it is well beyond the purview of any member of the government of the United States or of the United States itself to appoint any leader in any foreign nation.
The speculation on social media has escalated the matter to the point of it being common talk however, it has been settled among political analysts that the matter stands for show. Rubio has the reputation of being very hawkish about the government of Cuba, which has solidified his position as an enemy more so than a potential leader. Statistically, there would be close to zero percent public support for such an arrangement in the country, which has the hallmark of being very nationalistic and against U.S. interventions.
Trump Warns Cuba to Act Before It’s “Too Late”
In conjunction with his endorsement of the position, Trump warned the Cuban government that the U.S. would stop all Venezuelan oil imports and monetary flows to the Cuban regime. On the Truth Social platform, he warned, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA — ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.” The former U.S. president pointed to the recent U.S. operation in Venezuela to demonstrate that the waning influence of the Cuban government on the Venezuelan regime has begun.
“…THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”- President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/bHEIysJ7q1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 11, 2026
Cuba Rejects Trump Claims
Cuba responded quickly and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez countered by saying Havana was under no conditions dependent on Venezuelan oil in exchange for security considerations. The Cuban minister called the U.S. allegations criminal interference in international relations and an attack on international peace. The Cuban reaction stands in line with its resistance to the interference in its domestic politics by the U.S., and it has been made clear by public opinion polls in Cuba that the majority of its citizens are opposed to being forced by foreigners to alter its political structure.
How the US is Clashing with Latin American Countries
“Trump’s words are only the latest manifestation of the conflict that has long existed between the U.S. and Latin America. Earlier, Trump had criticized Colombia, saying the country “is run by a sick man” and even threw out the idea that it would be acceptable to him for the U.S. to intervene in the country. Observers believe that the latest words of the U.S. leader will only add to the tension in the region, when countries like Cuba are struggling to keep their economies afloat.”
What Role Does Marco Rubio Play in Latin American Policy?
Rubio is currently the U.S. Secretary of State and the National Security Adviser. Also known by his hardline views on Cuba, Rubio favours sanctions against the Cuban government. Although Rubio is known for his influential position in U.S. politics, making him a symbolic leader in the matter of Cuba, there is no way for Rubio to actually lead the Cuban government. Rubio’s nomination has been attributed by analysts to the U.S. domestic politics rather than any strategy of the Trump administration.
