Miguel Díaz-Canel took to Facebook on Tuesday to respond to Donald Trump's remarks during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where the U.S. President labeled Cuba as a "completely failed state" and predicted the downfall of its regime.
The Cuban leader's post was succinct, following a familiar pattern of rebuttals he has consistently maintained throughout 2026 against increasing pressure from Washington.
"Unable to justify the punishment against the Cuban people and his genocidal economic war, the U.S. President once again claims at the UN that Cuba poses a threat. Lies are the tool of those who refuse to acknowledge the Cuban people's right to self-determination," Díaz-Canel wrote.
He continued, "We will keep fighting for peace, defending our sovereignty, and working together to overcome the ruthless aggression imposed by the U.S. government."
The post concluded with the hashtag #CubaIsNotAThreat, followed by the statement: "but the blockade is."
Trump's Speech at the UN
During his address to the world's most prominent multilateral forum, Trump directed pointed comments towards Cuba.
In his speech to the General Assembly, Trump stated, "My administration also seeks a fundamental change in Cuba's situation, where the communist regime is under enormous pressure, the greatest pressure it has ever faced. It is a completely failed state and it will collapse."
Trump ended that segment with a bold declaration: "Communism will never come to America, but freedom will come to Cuba, and security will come to Mexico."
As Trump spoke about Cuba, the Cuban delegation walked out of the UN hall in protest.
Moreover, he accused Havana's government of coordinating with "left-wing radicals and communist networks" within the United States, noting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is "leading negotiations" with Havana.
The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, had previously denied any formal process at the beginning of September: "There have been no negotiations, nor are there any agreements or roadmaps."
A Consistent Pattern of Responses in 2026
This response is part of a series of statements Díaz-Canel has issued in response to every measure of pressure from Washington. On September 8, he challenged the U.S., asserting that Cuba "will never again be a colony or neocolony."
Shortly thereafter, following sanctions announced by Rubio on September 17 against eight entities and three individuals in the military and nickel sectors, Díaz-Canel described the measures as "new imperial dictates."
Since January 2026, the Trump administration has imposed over two dozen rounds of sanctions against Cuba, targeting entities in the energy, mining, and financial sectors linked to the regime's military apparatus.
The Economic Context Overlooked by the Regime
While the Cuban government attributes the crisis solely to the embargo, evidence points to decades of dictatorial management exacerbated by the sanctions.
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projects a 10.3% contraction of Cuba's GDP in 2026, the steepest decline in Latin America, with power outages lasting up to 22 hours daily and an annual inflation rate of 25.19% in August. The Cuban government itself estimates losses due to sanctions at $8.1 billion in 2025.
What's Next: Rodríguez Parrilla at the General Assembly
The regime's official response to Trump's speech is set for Friday, September 26, when Foreign Minister Rodríguez Parrilla will address the UN General Assembly.
This will be the first formal opportunity for the regime to respond, from the same platform, to Trump's prediction of communism's fall on the island.
FAQ on Cuba's Political and Economic Situation
What did Díaz-Canel say in response to Trump's UN speech?
Díaz-Canel criticized Trump's remarks, accusing the U.S. President of lying and refusing to acknowledge Cuba's right to self-determination. He affirmed that Cuba would continue to fight for peace and sovereignty.
What was Trump's stance on Cuba during his UN address?
Trump described Cuba as a "completely failed state" under significant pressure and predicted the eventual collapse of its communist regime. He also stated that communism would not prevail in America while freedom would reach Cuba.
How has the U.S. increased pressure on Cuba in 2026?
In 2026, the Trump administration imposed over two dozen sanction rounds against Cuba, targeting sectors like energy, mining, and finance connected to the regime's military.
What is the economic situation in Cuba as projected by ECLAC?
ECLAC forecasts a 10.3% contraction of Cuba's GDP in 2026, marking the most severe decline in Latin America, alongside extensive power outages and high inflation rates.