Trump says ‘watch what Rubio does with Cuba’ without announcing new policy

US President Donald Trump has drawn attention to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s role in Washington’s Cuba policy, telling an audience at the White House to “watch what he does with Cuba” without announcing any new measure concerning the island.

Trump made the remarks during a National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Wednesday, while introducing Rubio, whom he praised for his work as Secretary of State. The White House held the event on September 30.

“Watch what he does with Cuba. Watch what he does with Cuba,” Trump said.

Trump did not elaborate on the comment or outline any new Cuba policy during his remarks. He went on to praise Rubio more broadly for his handling of US foreign policy.

“But regardless, Hispanic American or no matter who he deals with, anybody all over the world, he’s a master,” Trump said.

Rubio, who is of Cuban immigrant heritage and previously represented Florida in the US Senate, has been closely associated with US policy towards Cuba and Latin America.

Addressing the gathering, Rubio spoke about the connection Hispanic Americans have with the United States and the experiences of immigrant families.

“All I would say is Hispanic Americans, we are Americans. We love this country,” Rubio said, highlighting the freedoms and opportunities he said the US had provided to generations of immigrant families.

Trump again praised Rubio after his remarks, calling him an “unbelievable man” and “really amazing”.

The President’s comments come as Cuba remains an active issue in US foreign policy. The Trump administration has maintained and expanded pressure on Havana during 2026. In May, Trump signed an executive order imposing additional sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Cuba’s government and security apparatus.

The administration had also strengthened its Cuba policy in June 2025, including restrictions on transactions involving Cuban military-controlled entities and continued support for the US economic embargo.

Trump’s latest reference to Cuba did not specify what further action, if any, Rubio may pursue. Rubio’s responsibilities include US relations with countries across the Western Hemisphere, including Cuba.