Joseph Humire, the acting assistant secretary for defense for homeland defense and Americas security affairs, testifies during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — A Department of Defense official on Tuesday referred to Cuba as a “significant threat” but said he was not aware of plans to strike the country as lawmakers readied a resolution barring military intervention in Cuba without congressional approval.
The comments from Joseph Humire, the acting assistant secretary for defense for homeland defense and Americas security affairs, came a day after President Donald Trump raised the possibility of “taking” Cuba while speaking to reporters at the White House.
“I mean, whether I free it, take it — I think I could do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth,” Trump said Monday, when asked to clarify his statement.
Trump’s remarks raised concerns among some members of the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that the military could take action similar to the January raid carried out in Venezuela, which seized the country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, after he refused American demands to step down.
“I would have to say the president of the United States seems to think that he can do what he wants not with one, but two or maybe more countries that fall directly under the very definition of regime change and intervention,” said Rep. Herb Conaway Jr., D-N.J., a former Air Force officer.
Humire, in testimony to the committee, described Cuba as one of the U.S.’ “strongest intelligence adversaries” and said it was involved in “pretty much every threat” from the Western Hemisphere, pointing to its alignment with criminal groups, work with external state actors and security presence in Venezuela.
“They not just have penetrated our government, they penetrated other governments, partner governments throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” Humire said.
But he said he was not familiar with any plans to invade Cuba, deferring to the White House “on those decisions.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose family immigrated from Cuba in the 1950s, said last month that the “status quo” of the Communist-ruled island was “unacceptable” and needed to change. The U.S. has imposed an oil blockade on Cuba since the capture of Maduro and is engaged in negotiations with the country as it grapples with a crippling energy crisis.
In the Senate, Democrats worried about the administration’s military moves abroad are moving to force a vote on a war powers resolution that would prevent the U.S. from attacking Cuba without congressional authorization. The measure, introduced Thursday, is the latest attempt by lawmakers to reassert Congress’ role in decisions about war.
“The president’s saber rattling toward Cuba makes clear where his sights are next,” said Sen. Adam Schiff, of California, one of the resolution’s sponsors. “Congress must make its voice heard, or we risk involvement in another risky war of choice and losing our constitutionally granted authorities forever.”
The measure could receive a vote by the end of the month.
