The United States has stepped up its intelligence presence in Cuba in recent months, aiming to force the communist regime to reform or collapse, according to two people familiar with the Trump administration’s plans.
One source said the U.S. has recently sent spies and other assets to the island. A second described it as increasing the CIA’s “presence.” Both declined to give numbers or agency details to avoid compromising operations.
President Trump still prefers diplomacy to achieve the goal, though the administration plans to use every conventional tool, including intelligence resources, to pressure Cuba’s leaders. One source noted that “Iran doesn’t need to be solved before we go there” and called Cuba a “huge priority” for Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In May, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba to warn the regime it must make fundamental reforms. Days later the Justice Department charged former Cuban President Raul Castro in connection with the 1996 deaths of four people who were trying to rescue Cuban exiles at sea.
Rubio has signaled he is running out of patience after the regime largely resisted U.S. demands for major economic and political changes.
