The US government is urging the leadership in Havana to transition its governance model to avoid an escalating conflict with Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that those believing they can wait out the Trump administration will "learn the lesson the hard way" if they do not change course, though he expressed hope that the country would choose "a different path." Rubio described Cuba as a "failed state in every sense of the word," stating that the economy does not function and the revolution has failed.

The Secretary of State blamed Havana's leadership for the current economic and energy crises, claiming the regime's only remaining talent is the ability to jail and kill people. Rubio has made similar arguments in recent weeks, asserting that neither the government nor the country is currently functional. He maintained that the state's ability to imprison its citizens does not constitute a functional government.