Blackburn Labels Cuba Regional Security Threat, Defends Rubio on Iran, Cuba Policy

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) characterized Cuba as a threat to U.S. regional security and defended Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s foreign policy positions during a recent interview discussing the Trump administration’s approach to Iran and Cuba.

Blackburn criticized congressional Democrats, stating they are “so consumed by Trump derangement syndrome” that they struggle to support bipartisan national security initiatives. She praised efforts she described as “ending a 47-year war that Iran has had against us” and highlighted President Trump’s commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“The President is committed to making certain that Iran never has a nuclear weapon and has said you better turn over that enriched uranium,” Blackburn said. She also emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to help reduce global gas prices.

Reflecting on past diplomatic approaches, Blackburn referenced the Obama administration’s cash transfers to Iran, arguing those actions signaled permission for Tehran to resume uranium enrichment. She cited current intelligence indicating Iran possesses approximately 1,000 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%, warning that without current pressure, “they would have built that nuclear warhead.”

The discussion shifted to U.S.-Cuba policy after Secretary Rubio faced questioning about the administration’s rationale for designating Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism. When asked whether new evidence supported the designation—given that the previous administration’s intelligence review found no ongoing state sponsorship—Rubio responded that “virtually every left-wing radical violent terrorist group in the Western Hemisphere has at some point relied on support from Cuba.”

Rubio also addressed accusations regarding his travel schedule, denying reports that he attended a political event with President Trump in Miami instead of accompanying Vice President Vance to Pakistan for diplomatic negotiations. “What party was I at? I was at a party?” Rubio asked, challenging the characterization of the reports.

Blackburn defended Rubio’s response, stating she was “so glad he stood up to her and that he is defending himself when she’s accusing him of something that did not happen.” She noted Rubio’s long-standing focus on Cuba policy throughout his elected career and as Secretary of State.

“Cubans have been suppressing their people. They are friendly with rogue regimes, and they are a threat to our regional security,” Blackburn said, summarizing the administration’s position on Havana.

Blackburn concluded by expressing concern over partisan divisions on foreign policy, noting, “It used to be that politics ended at the water’s edge, and we stood together on most things that were there for our national security and around the globe.”