Miguel Díaz-Canel openly laughed when Dominican journalist Roberto Cavada inquired about the $100 million in aid offered by the United States to Cuba.
"It seems like a joke," the Cuban leader retorted during an interview with Grupo de Comunicaciones Corripio on June 19, 2026, at the Palacio de la Revolución. The interview was broadcasted on Wednesday by Telenoticias in the Dominican Republic.
The Skeptical Response to U.S. Aid
Díaz-Canel's response encapsulates the regime's stance toward a proposal that, according to him, hasn’t delivered a single cent. "Now they say that of these $100 million, none of which has reached Cuba yet, distribution won't start until after September. Why? We don't know. It seems they are calculating what might happen in Cuba," he asserted.
History of Humanitarian Offers
The Cuban leader outlined that the U.S. has made three humanitarian aid offers to the island. The first, for $3 million, was announced on October 25, 2025, with $2.6 to $2.8 million executed, aiding around 8,000 Cuban families. The second offer, totaling $6 million, had not commenced by the time of the interview. The third — the $100 million — remains undistributed.
Contradictions and Rejections
Díaz-Canel refuted claims from Washington that Havana rejected the latest offer. "The Cuban government informed the United States government that it accepted the aid, even in writing," he emphasized.
Exclusions and Economic Impact
A major argument against the aid was its exclusion of medicines and food. "It's hard to understand why, if they want to help the Cuban people and two of the most needed items due to their maximum pressure policy are medicines and food, the aid cannot include these," he questioned.
The regime also highlighted the figure's context. "The blockade costs Cuba over $5 billion annually in recent calculations. They come with $100 million," Díaz-Canel remarked, branding the offer as "a sham" intended to "create an image" and "find an excuse to blame the Cuban government."
Conditions and Criticisms
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in May that "the Cuban people must know that there are $100 million in food and medicine available to them right now, and the only reason they're not receiving it is the Cuban regime." The offer, formalized on May 13, 2026, is contingent upon distribution by the Catholic Church through Caritas and independent NGOs, without state mediation.
Energy Crisis and Economic Measures
The interview also touched on Cuba's severe energy crisis, which Díaz-Canel acknowledged as devastating. He noted that in the past six months, only one fuel tanker — a Russian ship — arrived, providing 15 days of improved electricity conditions. The private sector, allowed to import fuel, has managed to bring in only about 40,000 tons, equivalent to just one of the many ships the island needs monthly.
Regarding the 176 economic measures approved on June 19, Díaz-Canel dismissed them as concessions to external pressures. "Trump doesn't run Cuba, nor does the U.S. government. Cuba is sovereign," he declared, emphasizing that the solutions are "distinctly Cuban."
Common Questions about U.S. Aid to Cuba
What was the total amount offered by the U.S. to Cuba in aid?
The United States proposed a total of $100 million in aid to Cuba.
What are the conditions for the distribution of the U.S. aid?
The distribution of the $100 million aid is conditioned upon being carried out by the Catholic Church through Caritas and independent non-governmental organizations, without state involvement.
Why did Díaz-Canel label the U.S. aid offer as a "joke"?
Díaz-Canel considered the aid offer a "joke" because it excluded essential items like medicines and food, and none of the funds had been delivered to Cuba at the time of his statement.