The White House and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio firmly rejected a report by The New York Times that claimed the Trump administration was seeking to remove Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power. Rubio criticized the media for propagating what he deemed 'fake news' and accused them of relying on misinformed sources. He used social media to express his disdain for the report, marking a clear support for Díaz-Canel's presidency amidst the ongoing relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

In response to Rubio's comments, The New York Times issued a statement defending the report's credibility, stating that it was based on conversations with four individuals who were knowledgeable about U.S.-Cuba negotiations. This defense emphasized the newspaper's commitment to journalistic integrity and the importance of accurate reporting regarding sensitive diplomatic matters.

The implications of this exchange highlight the strained relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, as well as the political maneuvers within U.S. media and government circles. It also underscores the continuing complexities involved in U.S.-Cuba diplomacy, especially under the backdrop of changing leadership and policies. Both the rejection of the report by the U.S. government and the newspaper's insistence on its validity illustrate the ongoing tension in how news and information are perceived and disseminated in the international community.