Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel has responded to Donald Trump's recent remarks on Cuba.
'Willing to Give My Life’: Miguel Díaz-Canel Breaks Silence on Trump’s Chilling 'Cuba Is Next' Jab
April 13 2026, Published 8:25 a.m. ET
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel responded to President Donald Trump’s recent threat to Cuba, by claiming that he is ready to defend his country in case the United States launches an attack.
During an interview, Díaz-Canel called out the Trump administration and shared his views on a potential invasion by the United States.
Díaz-Canel made it clear that although Cuba does not look forward to a military campaign in their country, if push comes to shove, Cubans would be ready to "die for the homeland."
'Dying for the Homeland Is to Live'
During a speech at an event in March 2026, Trump had said, “Cuba is next by the way,” before adding, "But pretend I didn't say that. Pretend I didn't," according to Reuters.
Díaz-Canel addressed Trump's comments in an exclusive interview with NBC's Today. In the show, host Kristen Welker asked the Cuban president whether he was afraid for his life or "ready to make the ultimate sacrifice" if attacked.
To this, Díaz-Canel replied, “I have no fear. I am willing to give my life for the revolution.”
An X post highlight's Miguel Díaz-Canel's comments in response to Donald Trump's threat to Cuba.
The Cuban president said that he does not want a war with the United States and expressed doubt that Cuba poses any threat to the U.S. national security. He also stated that he did not believe the American public would support Trump in the invasion of a small country.
"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," he said, in an apparent reference to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was captured by U.S. forces earlier in 2026.
Further, Díaz-Canel said that he is prepared in case Trump decides to take military action against Cuba.
"There will be fighting, and there will be a struggle, and we will defend ourselves," the Cuban president said, adding, "If we need to die, we'll die, because as our national anthem says, 'Dying for the homeland is to live.'"
Miguel Díaz-Canel Blames the U.S. For Cuba's Rising 'Poverty and Desperation'
In the same interview with NBC's Today, Díaz-Canel said that the U.S. oil blockade has "exacerbated the poverty and desperation" in Cuba, contributing to food shortages, long lines for basic goods and disruptions to waste collection because of fuel shortages.
During a separate interview with Newsweek, Díaz-Canel said that Cuba is prepared "not to attack, but to defend," adding that he is ready to sacrifice himself for the revolution.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel speaks about the U.S. during a recent interview.
Later during the interview, Díaz-Canel emphasized that Cuba has never interfered in U.S. affairs but that Trump's remarks about Cuba being "next" amounted to a warning that required a response.
“We need to responsibly protect our people, protect our project and protect our country. So, we are preparing ourselves for defense,” he said.
He said that Cubans face a number of restrictions "not applied to any other country in the world," leaving the nation without funds to purchase food or basic supplies needed for production and services. Díaz-Canel added that Cuba also needs to repair its national energy system and industrial infrastructure.
The Cuban president said that he remains open to dialogue with the United States but expressed caution about prospects for meaningful diplomatic progress with the Trump administration.