Marco Rubio’s Cuba pressure campaign reaches major U.S. media as fuel shortages, blackouts and mounting economic pressure reshape life on the island.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/51185333

August 8, 2026

[weekly newsletter about Cuba from the Belly Of The Beast news collective. Their videos can be found at: https://peertube.world/c/cuba_botb_videos/videos]

The Trump administration’s Cuba playbook made its way into major U.S. media outlets this week.

Anonymous U.S. officials detailed intelligence operations, possible military action and the “hunt” for Cuba’s next leader.

The articles read less like journalistic scoops than messages Secretary of State Marco Rubio wants delivered, with the reporters serving as couriers. As one anonymous official told Axios about a leak, the administration is simply “letting the regime know we’re watching.”

Also this week:

  • Long Lines, Not Enough Fuel for Cuba’s Taxi Drivers
  • The Spanish Flotilla That Broke the U.S. Blockade
  • Cuba Suffers Three Blackouts In 48 Hours
  • Colombia’s Outgoing President Visits Havana