Miguel Díaz-Canel released a statement on Wednesday, accusing the United States of consistently threatening to overthrow Cuba's constitutional order by force. This statement was a direct response to a series of provocative remarks made by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in recent days.
The immediate catalyst for Díaz-Canel's reaction was a set of impactful declarations made earlier in the week. Speaking from the White House, Trump labeled Cuba a "failed nation" and boldly claimed, "If I liberate it, I will take it. I think I can do whatever I want with it." He further depicted the country as lacking in resources, stating, "They have no money, no oil, nothing."
Following Trump's statements, Rubio echoed similar sentiments from the Oval Office, criticizing Cuba's economic model as dysfunctional. He remarked that the regime had only survived on subsidies first from the Soviet Union and then from Venezuela, calling for sweeping changes: "New leadership is needed. They must undergo drastic change." Trump endorsed the ongoing negotiation process, indicating that discussions with Rubio were underway and promising swift action.
Díaz-Canel's response was defiantly combative. He accused the U.S. of publicly threatening Cuba with regime change, exploiting the economic hardships exacerbated by decades-long American aggression and isolation. He further accused Washington of attempting to "claim ownership of the nation, its resources, and even the economy they seek to suffocate as a means of forcing us to surrender," denouncing the embargo as a "brutal economic war" aimed at collective punishment. His message concluded with the hashtag CubaEstáFirme.
This escalation in rhetoric unfolds against the backdrop of an unprecedented energy crisis. Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, Cuba has been deprived of Venezuelan oil, which accounted for two-thirds of its crude imports. This Monday, the island experienced its sixth nationwide blackout in a year and a half, plunging millions into darkness.
Simultaneously, a negotiation process is reportedly developing, with Díaz-Canel confirming on March 13 at a Politburo meeting that an initial phase of bilateral agenda setting is underway. According to reports by Politico and Axios, Rubio has engaged in multiple meetings with Cuban representatives, including Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Raúl Castro's grandson.
The New York Times reported on Monday that Trump demands Díaz-Canel's resignation as a precondition for progressing in these talks, citing four sources familiar with the negotiations. Jorge Mas Santos, head of the Cuban American National Foundation, met with Trump and Rubio at the White House this week, proclaiming, "The day of our homeland's freedom is approaching."
Analysts suggest that Washington's pressure is part of a strategy to render the island economically dependent on the U.S., as reported by Bloomberg. Díaz-Canel concluded his message with a stark warning: "In the face of the worst scenario, Cuba is reassured by one certainty: any external aggressor will encounter an impregnable resistance."
Understanding the U.S.-Cuba Tensions
Why is the U.S. threatening Cuba with regime change?
The U.S. sees Cuba's government as a failed socialist regime and seeks to implement democratic changes and potentially gain economic influence over the island.
What are the implications of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis has led to widespread power outages, affecting millions and further straining the country's already fragile economy.
Is there a possibility of negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba?
Yes, negotiations are reportedly underway, but they are contingent on significant political changes in Cuba, including the potential resignation of Díaz-Canel.