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A convergence of diplomatic outreach, public threats and fresh sanctions marks an intensifying U.S. posture toward Cuba amid a deepening economic and energy crisis. CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s rare, open talks in Havana—alongside secret engagements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio—delivered messages tying future U.S. engagement to fundamental Cuban reforms. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has levied new sanctions, increased surveillance flights, and amplified rhetoric suggesting military options, even as officials claim a preference for diplomacy. Rising tensions reflect U.S. concern over Cuba’s stability after losing Venezuelan support, while critics warn the approach risks escalation.
Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump’s director of national intelligence, announced Friday that she will resign, effective June 30, citing her husband Abraham’s diagnosis with an “extremely rare form of bone cancer.” Trump said principal deputy DNI Aaron Lukas will become acting director. Axios reports Gabbard, a former Democrat with anti-interventionist views, struggled to fit into a wartime Republican administration and narrowly avoided being fired last month after intervention from Roger Stone; Trump ally Laura Loomer was a frequent critic and first reported the resignation. Her Office of the DNI has also clashed with the CIA, including testimony alleging CIA obstruction on JFK files, COVID-19 origins, and “Anomalous Health Incidents” (Havana Syndrome), which the CIA disputes.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked Cuban Independence Day with a Spanish-language video message directly addressing Cubans, blaming the island’s shortages on communist leaders and the military-linked conglomerate GAESA. Rubio said GAESA—founded by Raúl Castro—controls about 70% of Cuba’s economy and holds an estimated $18 billion in assets, arguing it enriches elites while ordinary Cubans face scarce food and fuel and, in some areas, only two hours of electricity daily. Rubio said President Trump is offering a “new relationship” with Cuba focused on the Cuban people, including $100 million in food and medicine to be distributed via the Catholic Church or other charities, not the state. The Justice Department is also set to unseal an indictment of Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 shootdown of two rescue planes. Cuba blames U.S. sanctions and the embargo.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana on Thursday for a rare, openly acknowledged meeting with Cuban intelligence officials, Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas, and Raúl Guillermo “Raulito” Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former leader Raúl Castro, according to Axios. The trip comes as Cuba faces a severe fuel shortage and broader economic crisis; the energy minister said Wednesday the country had run out of fuel oil and diesel, with blackouts potentially exceeding 20–22 hours a day. U.S. officials said Ratcliffe delivered President Trump’s message that Washington could engage on economic and security issues only if Cuba makes “fundamental changes,” and warned it cannot remain a haven for U.S. adversaries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also held secret talks, while new sanctions raise costs for companies operating in Cuba.
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have intensified public criticism of Cuba, raising concerns that U.S. threats of military action could escalate, Axios reports. The administration has increased pressure through additional sanctions imposed last Thursday, while U.S. surveillance and reconnaissance flights off Cuba’s coast have surged since February, according to a CNN review of flight data. Trump suggested Friday that an aircraft carrier returning from Iran could be positioned offshore. Rubio called Cuba’s system unfixable and blamed the unelected ruling party’s incompetence. U.S. officials told Axios Cuba is “failing” after losing Venezuelan support, while the State Department said it prefers diplomacy but won’t allow a worsening security threat. Brazil’s President Lula said Trump privately denied invasion plans. The article was updated 12 hours ago.