In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has chosen to send the CIA Director, John Ratcliffe, to Cuba, rather than a traditional diplomat, to deliver a message of maximum pressure. This decision has sparked debate and raised questions about Trump's trust in the CIA and his approach to foreign policy. The meeting, which was not kept secret, revealed a willingness to engage with Cuba on key issues, but only if 'fundamental changes' are made. This strategy aligns with Trump's pattern of using non-traditional envoys, such as his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff, rather than relying on professional diplomats. The White House's distrust of the U.S. diplomatic corps is evident, and Trump's preference for loyalty over experience is a recurring theme. This approach has been seen in Venezuela, where Trump also relied on the CIA to pressure Maduro and explore operational options. The expectation in Washington is to weaken or remove the existing ruling circle in Cuba and replace it with a leadership more open to cooperation. This strategy raises questions about the effectiveness of this approach and the potential for a political shift in Cuba. The meeting in Havana, which included a conspicuously marked U.S. government plane and photos released by the CIA, marked a departure from typical practices. The Cuban government's response, presenting evidence that Cuba does not pose a threat to U.S. national security, further highlights the tension between the two nations. As the Trump administration continues to ramp up pressure on Cuba, the question remains whether this approach will lead to the desired outcome or further strain relations.
