The State Department announced Thursday that the United States will move forward with an additional $6 million in humanitarian assistance to Cuba, even as tensions between Washington and Havana remain high. The delivery comes amid what international organizations have described as a worsening humanitarian situation on the island.
According to U.S. officials, the latest round of aid is intended to address the ongoing fallout from Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, which struck Cuba in October. The storm caused widespread destruction, leveling homes, tearing roofs from buildings, and blocking mountain roads. Months later, the country continues to struggle with recovery efforts. In December, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies described conditions in Cuba as “severe.”
The United States previously sent roughly $3 million in aid in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. The new shipment doubles down on those efforts, with the State Department emphasizing that the assistance is strictly humanitarian and aimed at helping Cuba’s most vulnerable citizens.
To prevent any interference by the Cuban government, the State Department said the “pre-packaged commodities” will be delivered through local parish representatives of the Catholic Church in Miami, Florida. Officials described the approach as a deliberate safeguard to ensure that aid reaches those in need rather than being diverted by the regime.
“As with the first tranche of direct foreign assistance, let there be no doubt: the regime must not make any effort to interfere with the provision of this lifesaving support,” the State Department said in a statement. The department added that it is closely monitoring the delivery process and warned that Cuban authorities will be held accountable for any attempt to divert or obstruct the aid.
The humanitarian crisis has been compounded by recent geopolitical developments in the region. On Jan. 3, U.S. forces invaded Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and announcing that the United States would take control of the country until further notice. Prior to that action, Cuba had relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela, which have since stopped.
President Donald Trump addressed the situation during an interview Wednesday with NBC Nightly News host Tom Llamas, warning that Cuba now faces serious consequences. “Cuba is in big trouble,” Trump said, noting that the country had depended on Venezuelan oil and no longer has access to it.
The crisis has drawn international attention. A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said he is “extremely concerned” about Cuba’s condition and renewed calls to end the U.S. embargo. The U.N. warned that the situation could worsen if Cuba’s energy needs remain unmet.
U.S. officials rejected claims that American policy is responsible for the crisis. Senior State Department official Jeremy Lewin said Cuba’s leadership is to blame, accusing the government of hoarding resources for political elites rather than providing for ordinary citizens. He argued the country has the means to address food shortages but has failed to do so.
President Trump has also threatened tariffs against countries that continue doing business with Cuba. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized the move, calling it a “psychological war” and an “energy blockade,” while confirming that oil shipments from Venezuela have not arrived since December. Despite his rhetoric, Díaz-Canel said Cuba remains open to talks with the United States, provided there is no pressure.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded by urging restraint from Cuban leaders, while reiterating that the president remains open to diplomacy as the situation continues to unfold.
