Rubio Offers Cuba New Deal as US Announces Major Aid and Pressure Campaign

May 20, 2026 | US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered what he called a “new relationship” between the United States and Cuba in a major video message on Cuban Independence Day.

Rubio announced a proposed $100 million aid package for food and medicine while sharply criticizing Cuba’s leadership over shortages of electricity, fuel, and food.

The move comes as Washington prepares new legal action against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, escalating tensions between the two countries.


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Rubio, in Video, Urges Cubans to Align With Trump Administration: In a rare direct address, Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed the former leader Raúl Castro for the country’s longstanding electricity and resource shortages. »