Marco Rubio’s evolution amid a growing Cuba crisis | The Excerpt
USA TODAY
The U.S.–Cuba divide is intensifying as Donald Trump and Marco Rubio shape Washington’s response.
On the Tuesday, March 24, 2026, episode of The Excerpt podcast: The U.S. and Cuba remain divided by decades of tension. Now President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are testing that fragile relationship. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers explains the crisis and Rubio’s evolution.
Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.
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Dana Taylor:
Only 90 miles separates the US from Cuba, roughly a one hour flight from Miami, but while closed geographically, decades of geopolitical tensions have created a deep and lasting divide.













