U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on artificial intelligence at the "Winning the AI Race" Summit in Washington D.C., U.S., July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
(Washington, DC) – President Donald Trump is claiming that CIA operatives are currently on the ground in Cuba, saying they are working to “free up Cuba” as his administration signals a tougher posture toward the communist regime.
The remark immediately drew attention because of the sensitivity around any U.S. intelligence activity in Cuba, a country that has long been at the center of Cold War-era tensions, exile politics, and American national security concerns.
Trump did not provide public details about the alleged operation, including who is involved, what specific mission is underway, or whether the activity is tied to a broader policy push against Havana.
The comments come as Trump continues to frame his foreign policy agenda around confronting hostile regimes and projecting American strength abroad. Cuba has remained a major focus for many conservatives, Cuban-American voters, and anti-communist activists who have pushed Washington to take a harder line against the island’s government.
The Cuban government has not immediately responded to Trump’s latest claim.
If confirmed, the presence of U.S. intelligence personnel inside Cuba would mark a major escalation in the already tense relationship between Washington and Havana. For now, Trump’s statement is likely to fuel new questions about what the administration is doing behind the scenes — and whether a larger Cuba policy announcement could be coming.
