The response of Miguel Díaz-Canel to a straightforward question posed by NBC News journalist Kristen Welker about his willingness to relinquish power triggered a wave of criticism from Cubans on social media.
Numerous online users accused the leader of being unable to handle a free press and prioritizing his position over the welfare of the people.
During the interview, which took place in Havana on April 9 and was broadcast on the same day, Welker directly asked if he would step down if it meant saving Cuba amidst the Trump administration's demands.
Díaz-Canel, visibly uneasy, retorted, "Is that your question or one from the State Department?" and insisted that stepping down was not part of his vocabulary.
The Cuban leader's appearance on U.S. television did not go unnoticed and sparked widespread reactions on social media, where comments were bold and forthright.
"A good question and a sharp journalist; here, he's used to journalists having a script to follow and already knows what to answer," noted one user.
Another highlighted the irony in the leader’s response: "He's not accustomed to dealing with free journalists. The absurdity of thinking everything is manipulated by the U.S. government; he might as well have asked if the CIA funded the question."
Comparisons with the American president were frequent. "President Trump was elected by the majority of the American people, and you were handpicked," summarized another comment, echoing the sentiment of many.
Several users viewed Díaz-Canel's reaction as evidence that his public appearances are always controlled.
"That reaction is clear proof that all the interviews he's had before are nothing but scripted and heavily edited. None of them are prepared for a real interview," a person expressed.
Others were more direct in their message to the leader: "Sir, a question should be answered with an answer, not another question. Stop hiding and finally resign so the Cuban people can live in political and economic freedom, because you know well that the people do not want you."
The lack of democratic legitimacy of the regime was another focal point of criticism. "He doesn't understand what freedom of speech is. As a journalist, she asks whatever questions she wants," a comment summarized.
Some appealed to the moral responsibility of the leader: "A good leader who loves his people, respects himself, and has honor, seeing a war he cannot win, surrenders, thus saving millions of lives."
Sarcasm also found its place: "That question should be asked to the owner of the circus, not the clown Canel," quipped another user, while someone else summed up the scene with a phrase: "He stuttered, the thing is, he didn't have the script."
The interview occurs as Cuba faces its worst economic crisis in decades, with power outages lasting up to 22 hours a day, a 23% drop in GDP since 2019, and widespread shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
The Trump administration has imposed over 240 new sanctions on the regime since January 2026, demanding as conditions for any negotiation the resignation of Díaz-Canel, the release of political prisoners, and the holding of multiparty elections, demands which the leader rejected outright during the interview.
"He doesn't want to let go of power at all. The well-being of his people takes a back seat," concluded a comment summarizing the views of thousands of Cubans about the island's unchosen ruler.
Understanding the Criticism of Díaz-Canel's Leadership
Why did Díaz-Canel's response cause such a backlash?
Díaz-Canel's response to Kristen Welker's question was seen as evasive and indicative of his inability to handle free press, leading to criticism that he prioritizes his power over the welfare of the Cuban people.
What were the main points of criticism against Díaz-Canel?
The criticism centered on his lack of democratic legitimacy, inability to handle unfiltered questions, and prioritization of maintaining power over addressing the needs of the Cuban public.
How did the economic situation in Cuba influence the reaction to the interview?
The severe economic crisis in Cuba, characterized by massive power outages and shortages, exacerbates public frustration and fuels criticism of Díaz-Canel's leadership and policies.