Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asserted that a single, funded network is orchestrating diverse protest movements across the United States, including anti-ICE demonstrations, pro-Hamas rallies, and the 2020 unrest. Rubio stated that these protests are "NOT 'organic'," claiming they involve "the same people you saw on the streets burning things in 2020." He further alleged that these groups subsequently shifted to become "pro-Hamas protesters" and organized demonstrations demanding the release of Nicolás Maduro within 48 hours of his January 2026 arrest.
The Florida Senator emphasized the organized nature of these activities, declaring, "There’s nothing organic about it. It is funded, it is organized, and Cuba is a part of that network." He identified several organizations repeatedly tied to this alleged activity, including Code Pink, The People’s Forum, ANSWER Coalition, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, claiming they have "documented links to Cuban influence operations." These statements were made during an appearance on Fox News' "My View with Lara Trump."
Rubio's claims are detailed in a recent 100-page State Department report titled "Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism," which alleges Cuba's role as an "espionage superpower" undermining U.S. interests. The report outlines how Cuba allegedly supports left-wing insurgencies globally and influences domestic U.S. activism. This perspective suggests a coordinated effort to weaponize these networks against U.S. policymakers.
The Secretary of State's assertions have drawn criticism, with some lawmakers, such as Representative Delia Ramirez, suggesting the report aims to justify military action against Cuba and suppress constitutional rights to free speech and assembly within the U.S. Organizations named by Rubio, like Code Pink and the ANSWER Coalition, are known for their anti-war stances, while the DSA advocates for democratic socialist policies. Rubio concluded his remarks by stating, "It's time to treat them all as insurgents and domestic terrorists," indicating a call for a more aggressive stance against these groups.
