The president has expressed her continued support for Cuba through shipments of oil and food. Mexico is one of the main contractors of Cuban doctors, which represents a vital income for the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel. The situation is complicated by the relationship of Marco Rubio, the current Secretary of State, as an ally of Mexico to avoid tariff conflicts with the United States.
The energy crisis in Cuba causes blackouts of up to 20 hours daily in some regions, while in Havana they range from four to six hours daily. The U.S. State Department has warned Mexico about possible repercussions if Claudia Sheinbaum supports Cuba. It is expected that more than 40% of the Cuban island will experience power outages in the coming hours.
From the government, Rubio is considered part of the moderate faction of Trump's cabinet and opposes U.S. military operations in Mexico against fentanyl trafficking. Rubio becomes a crucial ally at a time when a hostile approach towards Mexico prevails. The State Department has classified Cuba as a regional threat, and Rubio has expressed his refusal to engage in dialogue with the Havana government.
