The recent statements by Miguel Díaz-Canel denying that there are conversations with the United States triggered a wave of reactions among Cubans both inside and outside the island, who responded with irony, skepticism, and outright mockery of the leader.
The Cuban leader affirmed this Monday that "there are no conversations with the U.S. government, except for technical contacts in the migration field," in response to recent statements by President Donald Trump, who claimed that "there is communication with Cuba," without providing further details about the nature of the exchange.
Díaz-Canel emphasized that Havana is "willing to engage in serious and responsible dialogue with the various U.S. governments," provided it is based on "sovereign equality, mutual respect, and no interference in internal affairs." He also attributed the migratory exodus to the economic embargo and to "the failed policy and privileges of the Cuban Adjustment Act."
However, on social media, the message had the opposite effect. Hundreds of users expressed disbelief and sarcasm, recalling previous episodes in which the regime denied facts that were later confirmed. In the post published by Cubadebate, one internet user commented: “Hahaha just like there were no Cuban soldiers in Venezuela.” Another quipped: “Maybe they're already talking and the president hasn’t been informed... Everything seems to indicate that there are things he finds out about last.”
References to Díaz-Canel's lack of real power were frequent. “If the US is going to talk to someone, it's with Raúl, who is the one in charge,” commented a reader. “It may not be with him, but certainly with the owner of the circus,” added another.
Several users expressed fatigue over the lack of solutions and the situation the country is facing. "They should start talking and come to an agreement because at this rate, in five more years we will be extinct like the dinosaurs," wrote one user. Another pointed out, "And who is he to know whether there are conversations or not? He’s just a puppet who doesn’t decide anything, just says what the real leaders of Cuba tell him to."
In the Facebook profile of CiberCuba Noticias, where the information was also shared, the reactions followed the same line of distrust. “If there's something he hasn't found out about…," wrote one commenter. “The person in the house is the last to know about the jar, and who told the lime that it counts on him,” noted another.
Many compared the Cuban leader's denial to that of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro before his capture. "There was also no Cuban military presence in Venezuela until they swept them all away," commented a user. "Maduro also claimed there were no conversations, etc., etc.," wrote another.
Some suggested that Trump might be negotiating directly with figures of real power in Cuba: "Could it be that they don't see Díaz-Canel as the president and are talking directly to El Rauly? And the puppet there, unaware of anything until... Bam, they take him away to New York."
Among the comments, one captured the widespread distrust: “Conversations are not held with puppets; they are held with those who manipulate the puppets.” Another was more direct: “Canel doesn’t realize that the conversations aren't with him. Either he’s so foolish that he actually believes he is the president.”
Some mentioned the nervousness they perceive in the regime following the military operation in Venezuela. “You're playing with the wrong people... these are different times, socotroco,” wrote a user. Another added: “You don't have much time left, you better get out before they make you disappear, and you aren't of any importance. They're just giving you time.”
Messages of irony regarding the lack of leadership also emerged: "What I say is: if they're going to bomb, please let it be smart bombs that only target the leaders," wrote a woman. Another summed it up: "If the USA spoke, it wasn't with him; his masters are the Castros."
Others focused on the erosion of official discourse. "Since there were no military personnel in Venezuela, just as there are no blackouts in Cuba... I'm starting to understand the communists: when they say no, they really mean yes," commented a reader.
The reactions reflect the level of distrust towards official statements and the widespread perception that Díaz-Canel does not have real control over the country's strategic decisions. This episode occurs at a time of heightened political tension in the region, following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and the increasing pressure from Washington on allied regimes.
Although Díaz-Canel insists that there are no formal contacts with the United States, citizen skepticism and open mockery on social media reveal that many Cubans have long been doubtful of his words.
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