U.S. Officials Caution That Toppling Cuba's Leader Could Invite a Harder Line

Some U.S. officials warn that forcing Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power risks installing a more hard-line successor less willing to negotiate with Washington, the New York Times reported on August 7, 2026. The caution exposes a gap in the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign, which demands Díaz-Canel's resignation but leaves the succession question unmanaged.