Rubio offers Cubans "new path" in video address as U.S. indicts Raúl Castro

Updated on: May 20, 2026 / 1:02 PM EDT / CBS News

Rubio offers Cubans "new path" in video address as U.S. indicts Raúl Castro

TL;DR

  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Cuban people in a video message.
  • Rubio criticized the Cuban elite, specifically GAESA, for alleged corruption and controlling 70% of the economy.
  • He proposed a $100 million aid package for food and medicine, to be distributed through non-governmental entities.
  • The U.S. government indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro and five others.
  • The indictment against Castro is reportedly linked to the 1996 downing of two planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue.
  • Rubio offered a "new path" for Cuba, suggesting a U.S. relationship directly with the people, not GAESA, and a future without communism.