Danny Valdez meets Cuban President Diaz‑Canel to discuss ending U.S. embargo

Danny Valdez met Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel in Havana on Oct. 11, 2026 to discuss a partnership aimed at ending the United States embargo on Cuba.

The meeting is significant because it signals a direct diplomatic channel between a U.S. political operative and the Cuban leadership, a step that could alter a policy in place for more than six decades. Valdez said the Cuban government views him as a potential partner in efforts to lift the sanctions, suggesting both sides are willing to explore new avenues for engagement.

Valdez, a longtime friend and adviser to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, previously traveled to Cuba in 2023 with a Democratic Socialists of America delegation. The 2023 trip, documented in a now‑deleted blog post titled “The Cuba Diaries,” focused on building support for ending the embargo. During that visit, Valdez confirmed his meeting with Díaz‑Canel and reiterated his commitment to the cause.

In April 2026, Valdez founded Cuban Americans for Cuba, a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy for ending the U.S. embargo. The organization has positioned itself as a bridge between Cuban‑American communities and policymakers, emphasizing the economic and humanitarian impact of the sanctions.

While criticizing U.S. policy toward the island, Valdez also acknowledged the Cuban government’s record on political repression, including the imprisonment of his own grandfather. This nuanced stance underscores the complex interplay of human rights concerns and economic objectives that shape the dialogue.

Both sides indicated that discussions will continue, with Cuban officials expressing openness to further talks and Valdez promising to leverage his connections in New York politics to advance the agenda. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future diplomatic initiatives between the United States and Cuba.