Story perspectives

US Eyes Cuban Insiders for Regime Change Strategy

1/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. seeks insiders in Cuba to facilitate regime change, inspired by actions in Venezuela.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump believes Cuba's government is fragile after losing support from Venezuela.
U.S. lawmakers have endorsed Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as a potential successor to Maduro, despite Trump's skepticism.
Republicans blocked a Democratic resolution to restrict Trump's military actions in Venezuela.

History

Historical Context

The Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961, a failed U.S. attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro, marked a significant moment in Cold War tensions. The CIA trained 1,400 Cuban exiles for the operation, which ended in defeat within three days. This failure not only solidified Castro's power but also influenced U.S. foreign policy, leading to ongoing interventions in Latin America, including recent support for Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

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Story summary

The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. seeks insiders in Cuba to facilitate regime change, inspired by actions in Venezuela.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump believes Cuba's government is fragile after losing support from Venezuela.
U.S. lawmakers have endorsed Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as a potential successor to Maduro, despite Trump's skepticism.
Republicans blocked a Democratic resolution to restrict Trump's military actions in Venezuela.

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