Rubio Outlines Vision For ‘New Cuba’ As Possible Raúl Castro Indictment Looms

Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a fiery message to the Cuban people Wednesday, accusing the island’s communist leadership of enriching itself while ordinary citizens endure blackouts, food shortages, and repression. 

Rubio delivered the remarks in Spanish on Cuban Independence Day as reports emerged that the Department of Justice is expected to unveil criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over allegations that he ordered a 1996 attack on an aircraft belonging to the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, which left three American citizens dead. 

“The real reason you don’t have electricity, fuel, or food is because those who control your country have plundered billions of dollars, but nothing has been used to help the people,” Rubio said in the video.

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— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 20, 2026

Rubio alleged that GAESA — a secretive business conglomerate founded by Castro and operated by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces — now controls roughly 70% of Cuba’s economy and possesses billions in assets while ordinary Cubans struggle through prolonged daily power outages.

The secretary also outlined what he described as President Donald Trump’s vision for “a new Cuba,” promising U.S. aid and expanded economic opportunities if power shifts away from the communist system. 

Rubio said the administration is offering $100 million in food and medicine to the Cuban people, but insisted the aid must bypass the Cuban government and instead be distributed by trusted religious or charitable organizations such as the Catholic Church.

“President Trump is offering a new relationship between the U.S. and Cuba. But it must be directly with you, the Cuban people, not with GAESA,” Rubio said. “A new Cuba where you, the ordinary Cuban, and not just GAESA, can own a gas station or a clothing store, or a restaurant.”

Rubio also argued that Cubans are seeking more than humanitarian assistance, saying they want the same economic opportunities and freedoms enjoyed by relatives living abroad. 

“Today, from media to entertainment, from the private sector to politics, and from music to sports, Cubans have reached the top of virtually ALL industries, in all countries, except one: Cuba,” he said.

According to reports from USA Today, Castro is expected to face murder-related charges connected to allegations that he directed Cuban MiG fighter pilots to shoot down the unarmed civilian planes near Cuban airspace.

An audio recording reportedly captured months after the incident allegedly features a voice identified as Castro discussing the operation.

“I told them [the MiG pilots] to try to knock them down over [Cuban] territory,” the voice allegedly said. “Well, knock them down into the sea when they reappear.”

The 1996 incident remains one of the most controversial confrontations between the United States and Cuba since the Cold War. 

Although Castro formally stepped down from power in 2021, he is still widely viewed as influential within Cuba.

Some observers have speculated that an indictment could significantly escalate tensions between Washington and Havana and potentially open discussions about stronger American action against the Cuban regime. Comparisons have been drawn to the Trump administration’s arrest of former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, who was also indicted.

Rubio closed his address by arguing that the only obstacle preventing Cuba from becoming more prosperous and democratic is the current leadership itself.

“In the U.S., we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our people and our countries,” Rubio said. “And, currently, the only thing standing in the way of a better future are those who control your country.”