On May 20, coinciding with Cuban Independence Day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a Spanish-language video message directly addressing the Cuban people. He attributed their ongoing hardships, such as food and fuel shortages, to the corrupt leadership of the communist regime and the military-controlled conglomerate, GAESA, which he claims controls 70% of Cuba's economy and has amassed $18 billion in assets. Rubio's speech was part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to increase pressure on Havana, emphasizing that the true cause of the Cuban people's suffering lies in the mismanagement and corruption of their leaders. He offered a vision of a new relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, focusing on the Cuban people rather than the regime, proposing $100 million in humanitarian aid for food and medicine to be distributed by trusted organizations rather than the government. The speech also highlighted the severe economic conditions in Cuba, where electricity is limited to just two hours a day in some areas. Additionally, the Justice Department announced the indictment of Raul Castro for a past incident involving the shootdown of planes, signaling ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba. Rubio concluded by advocating for a future Cuba where citizens can own businesses and vote freely, contrasting it with the democratic systems in nearby countries.