NBC Praised for 'Honor' of Interviewing Cuban Dictator

NewsBusters podcast analyzes media bias in coverage of Cuban leader and Rep. Eric Swalwell

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:36am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in shades of blue, red, and gold, depicting a blurred government building or podium, conveying a sense of political unrest and uncertainty.Allegations and media bias swirl around political figures, exposing the complex dynamics of power and accountability.Los Angeles Today

The NewsBusters podcast discussed the media's fawning coverage of an NBC News interview with Cuban dictator Miguel Diaz-Canel, who was referred to as the 'president' despite not being democratically elected. The podcast also analyzed the curious timing of allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell and the continued liberal bias on ABC's 'The View'.

Why it matters

The interview with Diaz-Canel highlights a pattern of American media outlets treating foreign authoritarian leaders with undue deference, often failing to ask tough questions or challenge their legitimacy. The allegations against Swalwell also raise questions about the political motivations behind the media coverage.

The details

On the latest NewsBusters podcast, the hosts discussed NBC News anchor Kristen Welker's interview with Cuban dictator Miguel Diaz-Canel, in which she referred to him as the 'president' and said it was an 'honor' to interview him. The hosts noted that Diaz-Canel is not democratically elected, but rather selected by the Communist Party to serve as the head of state. They also pointed out that Welker's questioning of Diaz-Canel was far less combative than her past interviews with former President Trump.

  • The allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell surfaced just as Democrats were lagging in California's 'jungle primary' for governor, potentially allowing two Republicans to advance to the general election.
  • On Monday, Swalwell announced he would be leaving his House seat, a shift from the initial Democratic response which was to keep him in Congress but out of the governor's race.

The players

Miguel Diaz-Canel

The 'president' of Cuba, who was selected by the Communist Party rather than being democratically elected.

Kristen Welker

An NBC News anchor who interviewed Diaz-Canel and referred to him as the 'president', saying it was an 'honor' to do so.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from California who is facing new allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

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What they’re saying

“Is that a question from you, or is that coming from the State Department of the U.S. government?”

— Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuban 'President'

“I ask very hard questions of President Trump.”

— Kristen Welker, NBC News Anchor

What’s next

The judge in the Swalwell case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to remain on the ballot for the California governor's race.

The takeaway

This coverage highlights the media's tendency to grant undue legitimacy to authoritarian leaders, while also raising questions about the political motivations behind the timing of allegations against politicians. It underscores the need for rigorous, impartial journalism that holds all public figures accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.