In a groundbreaking event, Miguel Díaz-Canel granted an interview to Kristen Welker, host of NBC News' "Meet the Press," marking the first appearance of a Cuban leader on U.S. television in decades. This historic moment unfolds amidst intense political and economic pressure from Washington on Havana.
The exclusive interview was revealed by Deadline's political editor, Ted Johnson. Recorded earlier today in Cuba, the initial segment will be broadcast at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on "Meet the Press NOW" and "NBC Nightly News," with further exposure throughout the week on "Today" and "NBC News Now."
A longer version of the interview is set to air on Sunday on "Meet the Press," and the full interview will be accessible on NBCNews.com.
This interview carries significant historical weight, as the last time a Cuban leader appeared on the same program was in 1959 when Fidel Castro was interviewed during his maiden visit to Washington D.C. after the Cuban Revolution's triumph.
Backdrop of Political Tensions
The interview takes place against the backdrop of unparalleled pressure from the Trump administration. Since January 2026, more than 240 new sanctions have been imposed, along with Executive Order 14380, which declared the Cuban regime an "extraordinary threat" to national security. Moreover, the U.S. has blocked Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba following Nicolás Maduro's capture.
On March 16, while aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, "We will make a deal very soon, or we will do what we have to do," labeling Cuba as a "very weakened nation" and suggesting intentions to "take over" the country.
Media Engagement Amidst Crisis
This NBC News interview is not Díaz-Canel's first engagement with U.S. media during this period of tension. Previously, Newsweek featured an interview with the Cuban leader in their April 2 edition under the headline "WE WILL FIGHT BACK," where Díaz-Canel declared that the island would resort to guerrilla warfare if faced with military intervention.
Leticia Martínez Hernández, Díaz-Canel's press chief, confirmed on social media that the Newsweek interview was "the first (already published) with a U.S. press outlet" and hinted at more to come, previewing the NBC News appearance and potentially others.
This media openness comes as the U.S. State Department has confirmed high-level contacts with Cuba, though Cuban Vice Minister Josefina Vidal described these as "very initial" with no formal structured negotiation.
Regional Media Milestones
Kristen Welker has been at the forefront of significant journalistic milestones in this turbulent regional period. She was the first television network correspondent to enter Venezuela following Maduro's removal, where she interviewed interim President Delcy Rodríguez and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Cuba is grappling with its worst energy crisis in decades, facing deficits exceeding 1,800 MW daily, power outages lasting up to 24 hours, and a 23% economic contraction since 2019. This challenging scenario is driving the regime to seek visibility in major U.S. media, especially as it's rumored that Washington is conditioning any negotiation progress on Díaz-Canel's departure from power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Díaz-Canel's Interview
Why is Díaz-Canel's interview with NBC News significant?
This marks the first time a Cuban leader has appeared on U.S. television since 1959, highlighting a historic moment amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and Cuba.
What context surrounds this interview?
The interview occurs during a period of significant political and economic pressure from the U.S., with recent sanctions and strong statements from the Trump administration against Cuba.
How has Díaz-Canel engaged with U.S. media previously?
Prior to the NBC interview, Díaz-Canel was featured in Newsweek, where he discussed Cuba's potential response to a military intervention.