Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday (May 27) that Cuba is "in a lot of trouble," calling it a national security issue for the United States. Speaking during President Donald Trump's Cabinet meeting at the White House, Rubio stated that having a failed state just 90 miles from U.S. shores presents a significant risk. He emphasized that the U.S. is working on the situation and hopes for a positive outcome for Cuba.

President Trump and Rubio have both raised the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Cuba, especially after federal prosecutors announced criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The charges accuse Castro of ordering the shootdown of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles in 1996. The indictment, filed in April, includes murder and destruction of an aircraft. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the indictment a political stunt, saying it was meant to "justify the folly of a military aggression against Cuba," according to The Guardian.

Rubio explained that the Trump administration prefers a peaceful, negotiated agreement with Cuba, but he doubts such a resolution is likely with the current government. "The likelihood of that happening, given who we're dealing with right now, is not high," he told reporters in Miami before traveling abroad. The administration has imposed new sanctions on Cuba, targeting the powerful military-controlled business group GAESA, and revoked the green card of a family member of one of GAESA's leaders, who was taken into ICE custody, as reported by NPR.

Rubio said Cuba's security and intelligence ties with China and Russia, as well as its alliances with other U.S. adversaries in Latin America, make it a serious national security concern. President Trump has threatened more drastic actions if Cuba's leadership does not open its economy and expel adversaries. The U.S. military recently increased its presence in the Caribbean Sea, with the USS Nimitz and other ships conducting exercises with Latin American partners.

On the humanitarian front, Rubio said the U.S. offered $100 million in aid to Cuba, but the Cuban government has not accepted it. After Hurricane Melissa, the U.S. provided $6 million in aid distributed by Caritas, a nonprofit tied to the Catholic Church. The ongoing energy and food shortages in Cuba have been made worse by U.S. sanctions and an oil blockade that followed the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. However, the Cuban foreign ministry denied that any $100 million aid offer had been made, blaming U.S. economic pressure for the worsening crisis, according to The Hill.

Looking ahead, the Trump administration has signaled more sanctions could be implemented, and the possibility of military action remains on the table if diplomatic efforts fail. China has voiced support for Cuba, opposing U.S. interference and sanctions.

Armstrong & Getty