WASHINGTON, D.C. January 14, 2026 — The United States has begun delivering humanitarian aid to Cuba, with the first shipment departing for the island nation to assist recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa devastated eastern provinces in October 2025.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the initiative, emphasizing direct support to the Cuban people while bypassing the government.
“The U.S. is sending the first humanitarian shipment to Cuba to help people in need as they continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa,” Rubio stated on X. “We are working with the Catholic Church and partners to ensure aid reaches the Cuban people directly—not the illegitimate regime. The Trump Administration stands with the Cuban people.”
The aid forms part of a $3 million disaster assistance package committed by the Trump Administration. A U.S.-supported humanitarian flight departed from Florida carrying relief supplies, including food, hygiene kits, water purification items, household essentials, and solar lanterns. Additional flights and a commercial vessel will follow in the coming weeks.
Distribution is handled in partnership with the Catholic Church in Cuba, specifically through Cáritas Cuba, to ensure transparent and direct delivery to affected communities. The initial shipment targets provinces such as Holguín, with plans to reach up to 24,000 people across eastern dioceses including Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Guantánamo.
Hurricane Melissa struck Cuba as a Category 3 storm in late October 2025, causing widespread destruction including damage to hundreds of thousands of homes, crops, infrastructure, and power systems. Recovery efforts have been hampered by ongoing shortages and blackouts on the island.
The move comes amid broader U.S. policy tensions with Cuba under the Trump Administration, which has maintained a hardline stance while providing targeted humanitarian support in disaster scenarios.
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