Díaz-Canel Rejects US Efforts to Depose Him

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a warning to the United States, stating that there is no valid justification for the U.S. To launch a military attack against Cuba or to attempt to remove him from power. The statements were made during a televised interview on April 9, 2026, with Kristen Welker on NBC’s Meet the Press program, conducted in Havana.

During the broadcast, Díaz-Canel argued that any military invasion of the island would be costly and would negatively impact regional security. He asserted that the Cuban people would defend themselves if such an aggression were to occur.

If the time comes, I don’t think there would be any justification for the United States to launch a military aggression against Cuba, or for the U.S. To undertake a surgical operation or the kidnapping of a president. If that happens, there will be fighting and there will be a struggle, and we will defend ourselves, and if we need to die, we’ll die, because as our national anthem says, ‘Dying for the homeland is to live’.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel

Refusal to Step Down

When questioned by Welker regarding whether he would consider resigning if the U.S. Government insisted on it during diplomatic discussions, Díaz-Canel rejected the premise. He responded by asking the anchor, Would you ask that question of Trump?

Díaz-Canel further clarified that the leadership in Cuba does not operate under a mandate from the United States, stating that those in leadership positions are not elected by the U.S. Government.

Diplomatic Tensions and Economic Talks

The interview took place amid high tensions between the two nations, though both sides have acknowledged that talks are occurring. According to reports, U.S. And Cuban officials have met to discuss the future of their relations, with initial discussions focusing on the expansion of economic ties.

Despite these meetings, Díaz-Canel accused the U.S. Government of maintaining a hostile policy toward Cuba. He stated that the United States has no moral to demand anything from Cuba and emphasized that Cuba is open to dialogue on any topic without preconditions, provided the U.S. Does not demand changes to the Cuban political system.

U.S. Political Response

The stance of the Cuban presidency contrasts with views held by some U.S. Officials. Marco Rubio has previously stated that the status quo in Cuba is unacceptable and that the island requires dramatic change.

During a White House meeting last month, Rubio argued that the Cuban economy is non-functional and asserted that real change on the island can only occur if Cuba obtains new leadership.