Hegseth Says Cuba Poses A National Security Threat As Tensions Rise

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth publicly declared Tuesday that the Cuban regime poses a national security threat to the United States. The striking statement came during a House budget hearing as tensions between Washington and Havana continue to rise.

During a hearing on the administration’s proposed 2027 defense budget, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) pressed Hegseth on Cuba’s ties to hostile foreign powers and its long history of antagonism toward the United States.

“Considering all those issues and others that we could talk about in a classified setting, do you believe that the Cuban regime possesses a national security threat to the United States?” Díaz-Balart asked.

“I do,” Hegseth responded.

Before that exchange, Díaz-Balart laid out a series of accusations against the communist government, asking Hegseth to confirm each one in turn. “Is it true that the Cuban regime actually shot down two American airplanes in international airspace, murdering Americans?” the Florida congressman asked, referencing the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue incident.

“I don’t — I can’t recall the precise year, but I believe that is the case,” Hegseth replied.

Díaz-Balart then turned to Cuba’s growing relationships with America’s geopolitical rivals.

“Is it true that Russian spy ships and warships, including the nuclear sub Kazan, have repeatedly used Cuban ports?”

“That is true, Congressman,” Hegseth said.

The congressman also referenced renewed concern over the Russian signals intelligence site at Lourdes and alleged Chinese intelligence activity on the island.

“And is it also true that now the Chinese also are there?” Díaz-Balart asked.

“I wouldn’t want to reveal anything that should be classified, but we don’t want foreign adversaries attempting to use that island,” Hegseth answered.

The exchange comes as the Trump administration has sharply increased pressure on communist governments in the Western Hemisphere during his second term, leading to the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Cuba has long been accused by U.S. officials of propping up Caracas through intelligence support and military advisers, and Hegseth acknowledged that role during the hearing.

“I am well aware that Cubans have been around the globe to include attempting to defend Maduro in Venezuela,” Hegseth said. “That is something they’ve done for a long time.”

While the Pentagon has announced no direct military action against Cuba, Hegseth’s remarks are among the clearest public acknowledgments yet that the administration views the island’s regime not merely as a hostile government, but as an active strategic threat close to American shores.