In solidarity with the Cuban people and the island’s political prisoners, the United States is designating key regime leaders under Section 7031(c) for their involvement in gross violations of human rights.

The U.S. will continue to stand for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Cuba, and make clear no illegitimate, dictatorial regimes are welcome in our hemisphere.

The US will continue to stand for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Cuba, and make clear no illegitimate, dictatorial regimes are welcome in our hemisphere.

We took a very deliberate step to reorganize the State Department to be more efficient and more focused.

Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.

We don't view this as an opening for anyone.

Today is the day. Under @POTUS’ leadership and at my direction, we are reversing decades of bloat and bureaucracy at the State Department. These sweeping changes will empower our talented diplomats to put America and Americans first.

That is why today I am announcing a comprehensive reorganization plan that will bring the Department into the 21st Century.

The cuts will make the diplomatic department more efficient and more focused.

The odds are high,” Rubio told journalists gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday.

That was our message – that (we have) the opportunity here to achieve some strategic stability and identify areas where we can cooperate together on and build better communications and a working trust.

It’s not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you don’t need those positions.