Cuba's President Says 'We Would Die' to Defend Against U.S. Invasion President Miguel Díaz-Canel of Cuba reaffirmed his government’s stance during a televised interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, stating that the country would resist any U.S. military aggression with “fighting, struggle, and even the willingness to die” if necessary. Díaz-Canel, who has been in power since 2018, emphasized that Cuba’s leadership remains unyielding despite mounting pressure from the Trump administration, which has criticized the nation’s political system and economic policies. The interview, conducted in Havana, marked Díaz-Canel’s first major appearance on an American broadcast platform. Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. for its alleged intent to launch a “military aggression” against Cuba, warning that such an action would have “costs” for both nations and the broader region. He invoked Cuba’s national anthem, which includes the phrase “Dying for the homeland is to live,” to underscore his resolve. “Before making that decision, which is so irrational, there is a logic, that is, the logic of dialogue,” he said, stressing the need for “discussions, debates, and agreements” to avoid confrontation. Welker pressed Díaz-Canel on whether Cuba would address U.S. demands, including the release of political prisoners, scheduling multiparty elections, and recognizing unions and a free press. Díaz-Canel rejected these as “extensively manipulated” issues, asserting that Cuba’s political system is non-negotiable. When specifically asked about the case of Cuban rapper Maykel Osorbo, a Latin Grammy winner imprisoned since 2021 for writing a protest song during the pandemic, Díaz-Canel denied any obligation to release political prisoners.#cuba #nbc_news #miguel_diazcanel #kristen_welker #amnesty_international
Trump says ‘Cuba is next’ in speech touting U.S. military successes U.S. President Donald Trump addressed an investment forum in Miami on Friday, March 27, 2026, declaring that “Cuba is next” in a speech highlighting perceived U.S. military successes in Venezuela and Iran. While Trump did not outline specific plans for Cuba, he reiterated his belief that the island nation’s government, grappling with a severe economic crisis, is nearing collapse. The remarks came amid ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Cuban leadership, with Trump hinting at potential kinetic action against Havana. In his speech, Trump emphasized his administration’s military capabilities, stating, “I built this great military. I said, ‘You’ll never have to use it.’ But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next by the way.” He later added, “But pretend I didn’t say that. Pretend I didn’t,” suggesting his comments were provocative or controversial. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged ongoing talks with the U.S. to avoid military conflict, though the island’s economy remains strained by disrupted oil imports. Cuba relies heavily on oil for power plants and transportation, and Venezuela, once a major supplier, has cut off shipments since its new government under pressure from Washington. This shift has exacerbated Cuba’s economic challenges. Trump’s remarks about Cuba followed earlier comments in March 2026, where he suggested the island could face a “friendly takeover,” though he later qualified the statement. The U.S. operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January had previously disrupted Cuba’s oil supply, further complicating its economic situation.#united_states #venezuela #donald_trump #cuba #miguel_diazcanel
