“The United States recognizes the need for more freedom and democracy, improved respect for human rights, and increased free enterprise in Cuba,” according to the National Security Presidential Memorandum on Cuba. “The Cuban people have long suffered under a Communist regime that suppresses their legitimate aspirations for freedom and prosperity and fails to respect their essential human dignity,” notes the Memorandum released in June 2025.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged in a recent interview with NBC’s Meet the Press that the “Cuban government is a huge problem, first of all, for the people of Cuba.”
He added, “I don’t think it’s any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime, who, by the way, are the ones that were propping up [Venezuelan dictator Nicolas] Maduro. His entire. . .internal security apparatus is entirely controlled by Cubans.”
In his Memorandum President Trump affirms that his administration’s policy toward Cuba will be guided by the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, as well as solidarity with the Cuban people. “I will seek to promote a stable, prosperous, and free country for the Cuban people. To that end, we must channel funds toward the Cuban people and away from a regime that has failed to meet the most basic requirements of a free and just society.”
In a recent press conference following the successful military raid to remove Maduro from power, President Trump said Cuba is “not doing very well right now. . . .[T]hat system has not been a very good one for Cuba . The people there have suffered for many, many years, and I think Cuba is going to be something we'll end up talking about because Cuba is a failing nation right now, very badly failing nation. And we want to help the people.”
Speaking at the same press conference, Secretary Rubio reiterated how dismal the conditions are on the island nation. “Cuba is a disaster. It's run by incompetent, senile men and in some cases not senile but incompetent, nonetheless . It has no economy; it's in total collapse.”
In Cuba, dissidents and peaceful protesters are arbitrarily detained and held in terrible prison conditions. Violence and intimidation against dissidents occur with impunity. Families of political prisoners are retaliated against for peacefully protesting the improper confinement of their loved ones. Worshippers are harassed, and free association by civil society organizations is blocked. The right to speak freely, including through access to the internet, is denied, and there is no free press. The United States condemns these abuses.
The United States will continue to evaluate its policies so as to improve human rights, encourage the rule of law, foster free markets and free enterprise, and promote democracy in Cuba.
The Cuban People Deserve Freedom and Democracy
- Policy Office
“The United States recognizes the need for more freedom and democracy, improved respect for human rights, and increased free enterprise in Cuba,” according to the National Security Presidential Memorandum on Cuba.
