The White House on February 6 swept away Cuba’s voiced uncertainties on US-Cuba negotiations, staunchly backing President Donald Trump’s willingness to pursue diplomacy and cautioning Havana against inflammatory rhetoric. Spokesperson Caroline Leavitt revealed that talks are in motion, challenging Cuba’s position.
Referencing Miguel Diaz-Canel’s stipulations for pressure-free, precondition-less talks honoring equality and sovereignty, Leavitt addressed his rejection of Trump’s ongoing-talks narrative head-on.
‘I believe the Cuban government is on its last legs and their country is about to collapse, hence they should be wise in statements regarding the American President,’ Leavitt declared. She then clarified Trump’s stance: ‘The President is always prepared to engage in diplomacy, as I’ve reiterated.’ Pointing to current interactions, she held back on details.
Leavitt avoided pinpointing channels, subjects, or responding to the no-conditions plea beyond Trump’s diplomatic affinity. This arose in a comprehensive security briefing.
Decades of sanctions, negotiation fits and starts, and administrative policy swings characterize US-Cuba history. The 2010s diplomatic reset yielded formal ties but left sanctions intact, with Cuba’s economic hardships and political strains continually reshaping engagements like migration coordination and modest diplomatic ties.
This firm rejection of doubts, coupled with vulnerability warnings, underscores US confidence in Trump’s approach. As bilateral channels reportedly hum, the focus shifts to whether Havana reciprocates amid shared challenges.