Trump Administration Said to Tell Cuba That Canel-Diaz Has to Go

[MrBirdman]

This is alarming to me because it suggests either a fundamental misunderstanding in the US administration about who really holds the power in Cuba, or an interest in superficial changes that mean nothing. Who would be fooled by removing him if the Castros keep pulling the strings? The entire endeavor is seeming more and more unserious - which is in keeping with their broader foreign policy program.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/world/americas/trump-cuba-president-diaz-canel.html?unlocked_article_code=1.TlA.uszC.Yy8WL5vAgmrp&smid=url-share

“As U.S. and Cuban officials negotiate over the future of the Communist-ruled and economically besieged Caribbean island, the Trump administration is seeking to push President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power, according to four people familiar with the talks.

The move would topple a key figurehead but leave in place the repressive Communist government that has ruled Cuba for more than 65 years. The Americans have signaled to Cuban negotiators that the president must go, but are “leaving the next steps up to the Cubans,” the people said. [Is this a joke? —MrB]

The United States so far is not pushing for any action against Castro family members, who remain the country’s top power brokers, two of the people said. That is consistent with the general desire of Mr. Trump and his aides to force regime compliance rather than regime change in their foreign policy…”

[El Presidente]

1 hour ago, MrBirdman said:

This is alarming to me because it suggests either a fundamental misunderstanding in the US administration about who really holds the power in Cuba, or an interest in superficial changes that mean nothing. Who would be fooled by removing him if the Castros keep pulling the strings?

I doubt there is any misunderstanding by the US administration. I am quite sure sacrificial lamb Diaz with mucho  in his pocket would be happy to relocate with his family. 

"If" this is correct, then the Venezuelan path looks to be the path of least resistance for the administration. 

Then again this is a NY Times article. Don't get me wrong, they do some good work (I am a subscriber) but they are hellishly biased. 

 

[KRunch61]

Did getting rid of Maduro make Venezuela any freer? No. Clearly that was about oil. If individual rights (freedom) was the motivation behind Trump’s actions, then regime change would be the goal in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran. Otherwise it’s basically status quo and kicking the can down the road.

 

[Allroz]

Aside from the optics, would this actually change anything for the people there if a new figure head was installed? 
 

[zacca]

I wouldn’t assume you have perfect information and what you read is all there is to know about the situation. What you read is what the news wants you to see. The real story happens behind closed doors. 

[MadridPuros]

4 hours ago, KRunch61 said:

Did getting rid of Maduro make Venezuela any freer? No. Clearly that was about oil. If individual rights (freedom) was the motivation behind Trump’s actions, then regime change would be the goal in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran. Otherwise it’s basically status quo and kicking the can down the road.

I don’t disagree with your sentiment about Venezuela operation being about oil. But I do think freedom has to be a motivation for the US to intervene with Cuba, if not freedom then what is the motivation? Oil? They don’t have any of that. The only thing I can think of is that the stage is setting for Rubio to inherit MAGA, him speaking the language and possibly being the broker for a deal could seem like a political victory for him eyeing the presidency. That’s the only thing I can think of. 

[MrBirdman]

The latest from America’s Great Leader:

“I do believe I will be having the honor of taking Cuba.” 

“Taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I can do anything I want with it,” he said. “They’re a very weakened nation right now.”

[rcarlson]

Ratcheting up the pressure is a very Trumpian way of negotiating. Against the other statements concerning the approach and positions concerning Cuba, I think the drama is predictable but unwarranted.     

[helix]

If whatever occurs lifts the embargo that is signifigant. 

[ElLoboLoco]

17 hours ago, KRunch61 said:

Did getting rid of Maduro make Venezuela any freer? No…….

How do you know? Do you live there or know people on the ground there? 

[ElLoboLoco]

Hopefully it can get better. 🙏 

[WestCoastSmokin]

14 hours ago, MadridPuros said:

I don’t disagree with your sentiment about Venezuela operation being about oil. But I do think freedom has to be a motivation for the US to intervene with Cuba, if not freedom then what is the motivation? Oil? They don’t have any of that. The only thing I can think of is that the stage is setting for Rubio to inherit MAGA, him speaking the language and possibly being the broker for a deal could seem like a political victory for him eyeing the presidency. That’s the only thing I can think of. 

Investments. Like hotels… 

[El Presidente]

On 3/17/2026 at 3:16 PM, MadridPuros said:

 if not freedom then what is the motivation? Oil? They don’t have any of that. The only thing I can think of is that the stage is setting for Rubio to inherit MAGA, him speaking the language and possibly being the broker for a deal could seem like a political victory for him eyeing the presidency. That’s the only thing I can think of. 

• Political win (he could use one right about now). The first president in 65 years to break Cuba. 
• Property rights for Americans (business and residents). 
• US business foreign investment preferential treatment. 
• Banking. Insurance. Communications investment/joint venture/ownership. 
• Trump tower on the Malecon. Trump international Golf Course and hotel. Kushner Casino in Old Havana.  

[JohnnyO]

13 hours ago, El Presidente said:

• Political win (he could use one right about now). The first president in 65 years to break Cuba. 
• Property rights for Americans (business and residents). 
• US business foreign investment preferential treatment. 
• Banking. Insurance. Communications investment/joint venture/ownership. 
• Trump tower on the Malecon. Trump international Golf Course and hotel. Kushner Casino in Old Havana.  

You forgot cheap labor 90 miles away from the US.

[Dadof3]

10 hours ago, JohnnyO said:

You forgot cheap labor 90 miles away from the US

Is that significantly different than the other Central American or Carribean countries? A number of them would seem to offer an under compensated labor pool.  

[zacca]

9 hours ago, Dadof3 said:

Is that significantly different than the other Central American or carribean countries?  A number of them would seem to offer an under compensated labor pool.  

That’s right. No difference from what I can tell so I really don’t really see that as a factor. Probably the biggest was to prevent China/Russia/Iran further cozying up with a country 90 miles away from our shores amidst increasing geopolitical tensions. 

[ElLoboLoco]

With any luck, Prison Rolled cigars will be a thing of the past in the near future.

[JohnnyO]

9 hours ago, Dadof3 said:

Is that significantly different than the other Central American or Carribean countries? A number of them would seem to offer an under compensated labor pool.  

Some Central American might give you a lower pay scale but certainly not the Caribbean Islands/Countries. Cuba would still have an advantage due to its global position and lower wages. Venezuela would have the advantage to manufacture due to the energy being less. Mercedes Benz, Toyota, GM, Isuzu, Nissan, Chrysler, Ford, Renault, Fiat and others used to manufacture/assemble cars there at one time. Lada was even there. Coca-Cola/Pepsi had plants there when I was a kid. Nestle was king. Administrations wanted to shake them down even further and one by one they left. All the US brands were there. Empresas Polar was the largest manufacturer of beer and food in Venezuela and split to Columbia when the government started putting price ceilings on consumer goods. Venezuela could dominate all of South America in manufacturing from consumer goods to electronics and vehicles just because of the energy. Gasoline is still cheap, less then a few dollars to fill your tank. 

[Dadof3]

17 hours ago, JohnnyO said:

Some Central American might give you a lower pay scale but certainly not the Caribbean Islands/Countries. Cuba would still have an advantage due to its global position and lower wages. Venezuela would have the advantage to manufacture due to the energy being less. Mercedes Benz, Toyota, GM, Isuzu, Nissan, Chrysler, Ford, Renault, Fiat and others used to manufacture/assemble cars there at one time. Lada was even there. Coca-Cola/Pepsi had plants there when I was a kid. Nestle was king. Administrations wanted to shake them down even further and one by one they left. All the US brands were there. Empresas Polar was the largest manufacturer of beer and food in Venezuela and split to Columbia when the government started putting price ceilings on consumer goods. Venezuela could dominate all of South America in manufacturing from consumer goods to electronics and vehicles just because of the energy. Gasoline is still cheap, less then a few dollars to fill your tank. 

Thanks for sharing that. I guess the costs rise and fall in different places with labor being only one factor. Of course, the more or less stable a location is the better chance that big money investments will happen. Hopefully the Cuban people can forge their own path without too much outside interference. I presume that if the country does change its system of government to be less hostile to the US they can broker that for a lifting of the embargo and a chance to lure American companies which will improve things for the local population.