Mamdani advisor's diary reveals 2023 meeting with Cuban President

A travel diary from 2023 has revealed that Danny Valdez, an advisor to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, participated in a delegation to Cuba with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) International Committee.

During the trip, which took place from October 22 to October 26, 2023, the delegation met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. The stated goal of the meeting was to partner in efforts to end the United States embargo on Cuba. Valdez described the meeting as a significant accomplishment, noting that the Cuban government viewed the organization as a potential partner in challenging the blockade.

In his accounts, Valdez noted that President Díaz-Canel expressed grievances regarding US sanctions, comparing Cuba's situation to that of Vietnam and China. While the diary details luxury accommodations for the delegation, Valdez has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing. Valdez, who hosted a fundraiser for Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, also founded the nonprofit 'Cuban Americans for Cuba' to advocate for ending the embargo.