Trump threatens military action against Cuba while backing a candidate in Kentucky GOP primary

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised the prospect of U.S. military intervention in Cuba after Washington announced criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro for a 1996 aircraft bombing. Rubio emphasized a preference for a negotiated settlement but warned that Trump “has always the option to do whatever is necessary to protect national interests.” The U.S. Navy’s carrier USS Nimitz and accompanying ships were positioned in the Caribbean for exercises.

In a separate domestic political fight, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky faced a primary challenge from Ed Gallrein, a veteran recruited and funded by Trump. The former president publicly attacked Massie, labeling him a “disaster,” and mobilized a super‑PAC that spent millions to support Gallrein. The race is seen as a barometer of Republican loyalty to Trump ahead of the primary election.