Washington, February 6 – The White House has firmly dismissed Cuba’s expressed concerns regarding ongoing US-Cuba discussions, asserting that President Donald Trump remains fully committed to diplomatic engagement. In a pointed rebuttal during a press briefing, spokesperson Caroline Leavitt indicated that preliminary conversations are already underway, countering Havana’s narrative.
A reporter referenced Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel’s recent statements, where he insisted that any dialogue must proceed ‘without pressure, without preconditions, on equal footing, and with respect for sovereignty.’ Diaz-Canel had previously rejected Trump’s claim that talks were in progress, heightening tensions between the two nations.
Leavitt responded with a stark warning to Havana, stating, ‘I think the Cuban government is on its last legs and the country is about to fall, so they should show some wisdom in their statements about the US President.’ She quickly pivoted to reaffirm Trump’s openness to diplomacy, emphasizing his readiness to participate.
‘President Trump is always prepared to engage in diplomacy,’ Leavitt reiterated, adding that she believes such interactions are indeed occurring with the Cuban side. However, she refrained from disclosing specific channels, agendas, or addressing Diaz-Canel’s no-conditions demand directly, beyond noting Trump’s support for diplomatic efforts.
This exchange unfolded amid a broader White House briefing on national security matters. The US-Cuba relationship has long been fraught with tension, marked by decades of sanctions, intermittent negotiations, and policy shifts across administrations. Diplomatic ties were formally restored in the mid-2010s, yet many restrictions persist, with economic woes and political pressures in Cuba repeatedly influencing bilateral dynamics, including migration coordination and limited diplomatic contacts.
As both sides navigate these complexities, the White House’s dismissal of Cuba’s apprehensions signals a potential pathway forward, though unresolved issues like sanctions and sovereignty continue to loom large. Observers will watch closely for any concrete developments in the coming weeks.