HAVANA: Cuba on Friday criticised what it called US “desperation” after Washington urged Cubans to discreetly contact the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on the communist-run island.
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio mocked the appeal in a post on X, saying the United States was resorting to public recruitment for its intelligence agency.
He suggested the move reflected desperation within the agency, comparing its recruitment efforts to selling a consumer product.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had urged Cubans seeking change to establish discreet contact with American intelligence services, citing corruption, broken promises and privileges enjoyed by a small section of society.
“For those who seek to create positive change in Cuba — now is the time,” Rubio said on social media, encouraging people to pursue change through a confidential partnership with the CIA.
The agency subsequently posted a Spanish-language video explaining how people could share information it considers relevant. It advised those able to travel safely to visit an official US facility in person.
For online contact through the CIA website, the agency recommended using a secure network, a private browser and an email account not linked to personal details. It also said those submitting information should be prepared to provide details including their city, occupation and level of access.
The appeal comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. US President Donald Trump and senior administration officials have repeatedly signalled their intention to increase economic and political pressure on Cuba, while publicly raising the prospect of military intervention or a change in government.
Speaking at a rally in Florida on Friday, Trump described a scenario in which US military ships would pass near Cuba and suggested Rubio would be sent to complete a deal.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez rejected the threats, warning that the country’s coastline would pose a hostile environment for anyone arriving with intentions of domination.
The CIA has a long history of covert operations involving Cuba, including its support for the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.