Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Zorro

(19,064 posts)
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 06:23 PM 5 hrs ago

Senior defense officials looking at Cuba military options

Source: CBS News

As the U.S.-Iran war restarts following the collapse of the weeks-long ceasefire, senior Pentagon officials are also quietly eyeing another flashpoint much closer to home: Cuba.

Military planners have in recent weeks examined a range of options for possible action against the island, including an Army-led air assault involving thousands of U.S. soldiers to be carried out by the 101st Airborne Division, the only unit trained for such a task, according to multiple U.S. officials with knowledge of the discussions.

The officials, who spoke to CBS News under condition of anonymity to discuss national security matters, stressed that the briefings are not an indication that President Trump or the Pentagon have decided to carry out an operation.

Any operation against Cuba would confront the Pentagon with a significant problem because much of the U.S. military's attention and some of its most valuable offensive capabilities are already committed elsewhere. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that the U.S. prefers a diplomatic option for a transition to a new government led by technocrats and willing to make economic reforms. That process has stalled, despite tightening financial pressure around the Cuban military and its conglomerate GAESA, the sprawling, military-controlled holding company which the United States refers to as an $18 billion trust fund. In a July 11 statement, Rubio said that so far, the regime and its "corrupt elites" continue to refuse reform, instead "perpetuating their total control" and adherence to a "morally bankrupt Marxist ideology."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cuba-military-options-pentagon/



Looks like Trump may be thinking that an attack on Cuba would be a quick win for him...
10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

TomSlick

(13,179 posts)
3. There is no justification to invade Cuba.
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 06:35 PM
5 hrs ago

To do so would be a violation of the U.S. Constitution, the War Powers Act, and international law.

Polybius

(22,413 posts)
8. I agree that it violates the War Powers Act, and international law
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 08:23 PM
3 hrs ago

But how does it violate the U.S. Constitution?

TomSlick

(13,179 posts)
10. Only Congress has the power to start a war absent a present emergency
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 10:55 PM
41 min ago

The War Powers Act carves out an exception for eminent danger. We are not under even the remotest danger of attack by Cuba. If Trump invades Cuba, he should be subject to impeachment home and arrest in the rest of the world for crimes against peace.

groundloop

(14,069 posts)
4. Damn I'm ashamed of this. There is absolutely zero justification other than tRumps ego and......
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 06:41 PM
4 hrs ago

another distraction from the tRump-Epstein files.

slightlv

(8,327 posts)
9. No... the tech bros want their own country... their own island.
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 09:36 PM
2 hrs ago

Taking Cuba is just perfect for them. Notice Rubio wants it run by "technocrats"... that is, Musk, Thiel, and the others. We're already in WWIII and no one even notices yet!

SamuelAdams

(473 posts)
6. This is ridiculous.
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 07:34 PM
4 hrs ago

Disagreeing with the type of government or government policies another country has is no reason to invade them. Cuba is not a threat to us. They aren't funding terrorists or developing nuclear weapons. The leaders are not wanted as Maduro was. Who is Rubio to tell another country they need to be run by technocrats and which economic reforms they must make?

ananda

(35,984 posts)
7. He is really desperate to take over and own something.
Wed Jul 15, 2026, 08:16 PM
3 hrs ago

Cue Jared, Ivanka, and a billionaire takeover.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Senior defense officials ...