Mamdani in trouble? The secret diary deleted from the web – and the secrets revealed

A travel diary deleted from the web reveals that Danny Valdes, an advisor and close associate of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, met with Cuba's president and worked to promote cooperation with the communist regime against the US embargo. The revelation may embarrass Mamdani and raise questions about his ties.

A travel diary deleted from the web reveals that Danny Valdes, a friend and close associate of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in October 2023. Valdes, who helped Mamdani with fundraising and advised him on policy toward Cuba, traveled to the communist country with a delegation from the Democratic Socialists of America. During the visit, delegation members discussed with the Cuban president the possibility of cooperating in the fight to end the US embargo. Valdes documented the meeting in a travel diary he published in November of that year, presenting it as a significant achievement. According to him, "It was a sign that the Cuban government takes our organization seriously and sees us as potential partners in the struggle to end the American siege." Now, the exposure of the diary may confront Mamdani with questions about his ties to Valdes and the advice he received from him regarding Cuba. The fact that someone who helped his election campaign met with senior officials of the communist regime could cause political embarrassment for the mayor.