Days after the arrest of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump warned that Cuba could be the next focus of U.S. pressure.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that the Cuban government is “in a lot of trouble” due to its long-standing military and intelligence ties to Venezuela. He also said he’d be “concerned” if he were a government official in Havana.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, who represents the 26th District and was born in Cuba, shared with CNN that cutting off Venezuelan aid would further weaken the government in Havana.
“The Cuban regime is in the weakest position it’s been in over 60 years,” said Giménez.
As of 2024, Miami’s population is about one-third Cuban, and that community is reacting to the news of a potential U.S. intervention.
For 24-year-old Jorge Salas, an IT worker, the issue is personal, as his family history spans both Cuba and Venezuela.
“My mom had to leave Cuba, so when she left, she went to Venezuela,” said Salas. “There, she saw Venezuela at its best, and she was there when she saw that Chávez was going to be elected.”
While Salas hopes for change in Cuba, he remains cautious.
“They might not do the exact same actions as they did in Venezuela,” said Salas. “I would love to see them do the same with Díaz-Canel.”
