From the Bay of Pigs to the Department of State: A Profile of Marco Rubio

Rubio's neocon foreign policy agenda threatens to undermine the ideals of the American Revolution

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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This profile examines how Marco Rubio's background as a Cuban exile and his ties to the Bay of Pigs invasion have shaped his hawkish foreign policy as U.S. Secretary of State. It delves into Rubio's defense of CIA torture tactics, his support for anti-Castro terrorist groups, and his role in pushing regime change efforts in Venezuela - all of which threaten to undermine the founding principles of the United States.

Why it matters

Rubio's ascent to the top ranks of U.S. foreign policy represents the growing influence of the neoconservative movement, which has long pushed for an interventionist, regime-change oriented approach that is at odds with the non-interventionist ideals of the American Revolution. His policies towards Cuba, Venezuela, and other nations in the Global South risk further damaging America's global standing and reputation.

The details

The article traces Rubio's background, from his internship with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a vocal supporter of the Bay of Pigs exiles, to his defense of CIA torture tactics and his role in pushing for regime change in Venezuela. It also examines Rubio's ties to figures like Luis Posada Carriles, a CIA agent involved in terrorist activities against Cuba. The piece argues that Rubio has emerged as the new face of Florida's 'gang of intel community renegades' who have played roles in political assassinations and other covert operations.

  • In 2011, the 50th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Ros-Lehtinen sponsored a resolution honoring its participants' service.
  • In 2012, Rubio visited Guantanamo Bay a year after becoming a U.S. Senator.
  • In 2018, Rubio defended Gina Haspel during her confirmation hearing to head the CIA, saying 'If someone like you cannot be confirmed to head this agency, then who can?'

The players

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. Secretary of State, who has brought a hawkish, neocon perspective to foreign policy informed by his Cuban exile background and ties to the Bay of Pigs invasion.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

A former U.S. Congresswoman from Miami who was a vocal supporter of the Bay of Pigs exiles and whose father was a veteran of the Assault Brigade 2506.

Luis Posada Carriles

A CIA agent involved in the Bay of Pigs invasion and other terrorist activities against the Cuban government, including the bombing of a Cuban airliner in 1976 that killed 73 people.

Jose Rodriguez

The former Director of the CIA's National Clandestine Service who oversaw the torture of detainees at Guantanamo Bay and the destruction of interrogation tapes.

Gina Haspel

The former Deputy Director of the CIA who also played a role in the torture program and the destruction of interrogation tapes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.