US President Donald Trump has drawn attention to his administration’s Cuba policy after telling a White House audience to “watch what he does with Cuba,” referring to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump made the remark during a Hispanic Heritage Month event on September 30, 2026.Key HighlightsTrump pointed to Marco Rubio’s role in the administration’s Cuba policy.The remark came during a Hispanic Heritage Month event at the White House.Trump did not announce a new Cuba policy in his speech.Rubio has recently called for Cuba to choose a different political path.The US has continued sanctions and other pressure measures against Havana.Cuba has indicated that it remains open to dialogue with Washington.Trump’s Remark About Rubio and CubaDuring the White House event, Trump praised Rubio before drawing attention to his work involving Cuba.“Watch what he does with Cuba,” Trump said, according to reports. He then described Rubio as a senior figure in his administration and invited him to speak to the gathering.Trump did not provide details of any new action against Cuba or announce a specific policy change during the event.The comment comes amid continued US pressure on the Cuban government and speculation over Washington’s next steps toward Havana.Rubio’s Recent Position on CubaRubio has been one of the administration’s key officials dealing with Cuba. On September 29, he said the United States hoped Cuba would “choose a different path” and warned Cuban officials who believe they can simply wait out the Trump administration that they could face consequences if they do not change course.The administration has maintained a pressure campaign involving sanctions and restrictions against Cuban government-linked entities and individuals.In August, Rubio also announced sanctions against five Cuban companies and eight individuals whom the US accused of helping Cuba obtain military equipment from Russia and China.US Pressure on Cuba ContinuesThe Trump administration has continued to increase economic pressure on Cuba in 2026. Recent US measures have included restrictions involving Cuban state-affiliated businesses and financial transactions.The US is also considering additional restrictions on Cuban officials travelling to the United Nations, according to an Associated Press report. Cuba has criticised the US measures while continuing to express openness to dialogue with Washington.Cuba Calls for DialogueCuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has said that Havana remains open to dialogue with Washington. The Cuban government has also criticised US sanctions and economic restrictions, arguing that they have contributed to the island’s economic and energy difficulties.The latest Trump-Rubio comments therefore come at a time when US-Cuba relations remain tense, with Washington maintaining pressure while Cuban officials continue to signal an interest in negotiations.What Trump’s Cuba Remark MeansTrump’s statement did not itself announce a new policy or specific action against Cuba. Instead, it highlighted Rubio’s role in the administration’s approach to the island.With Rubio continuing to publicly call for changes in Cuba’s political direction and Washington maintaining sanctions, further developments in US-Cuba relations are being closely watched.
