Cuba’s President to Address Media Amid Economic Crisis, Pressure from Trump

Miguel Díaz-Canel is expected to address Cuban media on Friday in a rare appearance as the country grapples with a severe economic crisis and growing pressure from Donald Trump.

The Cuban government announced that the address will take place at 7:30 a.m. EDT (1130 GMT) and will focus on issues of national and international importance.

Although it is unusual for the Cuban president to engage directly with the media, foreign journalists were not invited to the event. If questions are permitted, they will come from selected local reporters.

The address follows a similar appearance on February 5 during which Díaz-Canel warned that Cuba could soon be forced to adopt extreme measures due to the worsening economic situation, including frequent power outages and fuel shortages.

The crisis has intensified after the United States imposed new restrictions affecting oil supplies to the Caribbean island.

Despite the tensions, Díaz-Canel previously indicated that Cuba remains open to dialogue with the United States, provided the country is treated with respect and without threats or preconditions.

The president may also respond to recent claims by Trump that Washington is already engaged in high-level talks with Cuban representatives. The Cuban government has denied holding official negotiations but has not ruled out reports of back-channel contacts.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated further following the removal from power of Nicolás Maduro, who had been a key ally and energy supplier to Cuba.

Washington has since halted Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and warned that it could impose tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island.

In recent weeks, Trump has suggested that Cuba could be close to collapse or willing to strike a deal with the United States, even hinting that the island might face what he described as a possible “friendly takeover.”

Written by Adeyemi Adewale