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Rubio Steps In, Denies Cuba Oil Blockade, Promises Aid

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Marco Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants, filled in for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday to lead the foreign-policy briefing.
He described Project Freedom as a defensive operation, denied a formal oil blockade of Cuba, and said Venezuela no longer provides free oil to the island.
Rubio blamed Cuba’s future problems on its governance and pledged additional humanitarian aid through the Church, citing religious-freedom concerns.

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Story summary

Senator Marco Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants, filled in for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday to lead the foreign-policy briefing.
He described Project Freedom as a defensive operation, denied a formal oil blockade of Cuba, and said Venezuela no longer provides free oil to the island.
Rubio blamed Cuba’s future problems on its governance and pledged additional humanitarian aid through the Church, citing religious-freedom concerns.