The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading an economic war against Cuba, with the goal of pressuring the island's communist leaders to reform. The Trump administration has taken over two dozen actions to pressure Cuba, including sanctioning entities and individuals, and pressuring other countries to stop supporting Cuba's doctor-export program. As a result, Cuba's economy is in a state of collapse, and the island is now reliant on the US for most of its food, fuel, medicine, and currency. Rubio believes that Cuba is trying to fake reforms to evade sanctions, but the US will continue to close off any new mechanisms they try to create. Foreign companies are fleeing Cuba due to the threat of sanctions, while US companies are moving in to take their place. The US has also imposed sanctions on Venezuela, which was a major oil supplier to Cuba, leaving the island struggling to keep the lights on. The US embargo against Cuba has been denounced globally, and critics argue that the US is engaging in imperialism. Rubio's department has framed its critics as useful idiots, and has laid the groundwork for more anti-Cuba action. The administration is in no rush to lift the embargo, and Rubio believes that with patience and persistence, Cuba will be on an irreversible path towards a different future. The US is also trying to cultivate other Cuban officials and create a coalition for reform, but it's unclear how successful these efforts will be.