Kristen Welker, the host of NBC News' "Meet the Press," stood her ground on Thursday when Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel tried to deflect her most challenging question during an interview in Havana: whether he would consider stepping down to save Cuba.
Visibly annoyed by the inquiry, Díaz-Canel responded with a counter-question: "Do they ask Trump that?" He further speculated whether the question "originated from the United States Department of State." Welker remained unfazed, telling him she has posed equally tough questions to President Donald Trump.
This marked the first time Díaz-Canel has granted an interview to an American television network, and his exchange with Welker highlighted his discomfort with a journalist known for her relentless interviewing style.
"Resignation is not part of our vocabulary," Díaz-Canel asserted, emphasizing that Cuban leaders are "chosen by the people" and that Cuba is not "subject to the whims of the United States."
Nonetheless, the Cuban regime operates under a single-party system that suppresses real opposition. All candidates for the National Assembly must belong to the Communist Party, and there is no genuine electoral competition or transparency.
This interview with NBC is part of the Cuban regime's media strategy targeting American outlets. Just two days prior, Díaz-Canel had spoken to Newsweek, warning that Cuba would resort to guerrilla warfare in response to any military intervention.
On the subject of US-Cuba relations, Díaz-Canel called for unconditional dialogue: "I believe the most important thing would be for them to understand and adopt this critical stance, a sincere stance, and to recognize what it has cost the Cuban people, and how much the American people have been deprived of a normal relationship with the Cuban people."
Key Questions About NBC Interview with Díaz-Canel
What was Kristen Welker's challenging question to Díaz-Canel?
Kristen Welker asked Miguel Díaz-Canel if he would consider resigning to save Cuba, a question he found uncomfortable and attempted to deflect.
How did Díaz-Canel respond to the question about resignation?
Díaz-Canel dismissed the idea of resignation, stating that it is not part of their vocabulary and emphasizing that Cuban leaders are elected by the people.
What is the nature of the Cuban political system?
Cuba operates under a single-party system where all candidates must be members of the Communist Party, lacking real electoral competition or transparency.