Delivering On Our Commitment: U.S. Disaster Assistance To The Cuban People

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

January 14,
2026

Today, we are announcing the first in a series of
direct humanitarian shipments to Cuba as part of the $3
million of disaster assistance committed by the Trump
Administration following Hurricane Melissa. These shipments
reflect our sustained commitment to the Cuban people as they
continue to recover from the devastation. While the storm
has passed, humanitarian needs remain acute, and recovery
efforts are ongoing.

A U.S.-supported humanitarian
flight will depart from Florida, carrying much needed relief
supplies. A second flight will follow on January 16, and a
commercial vessel will deliver additional assistance within
weeks. These shipments include food, hygiene kits, and other
essential items to help Cuban families recover and
rebuild.

Consistent with our longstanding policy, we
have taken extraordinary measures to ensure that this
assistance reaches the Cuban people directly, without
interference or diversion by the illegitimate regime. We are
working in close partnership with the Catholic Church in
Cuba to deliver aid transparently and effectively.

For
further information on this humanitarian assistance, please
review our associated fact
sheet:
https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/01/u-s-disaster-assistance-to-the-cuban-people/

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