The United States' top diplomat in Havana, Mike Hammer, stated on Wednesday that while he can't share specifics about ongoing actions from Washington, he warned that "the Cuban regime is facing a choice." His remarks were made during a media interaction coinciding with the arrival and distribution of humanitarian aid through the Catholic Church to affected individuals.
In a video shared by the independent outlet CubaNet, from the center where the aid is being coordinated, Hammer refrained from discussing whether there are specific talks or initiatives regarding Cuba's political future. He emphasized that it will be President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio who will make any public announcements or decisions about the path forward.
"We are discussing these matters, but we are not yet ready to share them with the world," Hammer remarked, referencing a recent meeting with Rubio at the White House.
The diplomat stressed that Washington's priority is to directly reach the Cuban people and prevent the government from benefiting from the assistance. He highlighted the distinction between "the people" and "the regime," asserting that the aid is intended to support needy families, not state structures.
Hammer also indicated that the embassy will remain focused on its core objectives: safeguarding the United States, preventing Cuba from posing a threat to Americans, and advancing what he defined as the national interest of a "free Cuba."
Mounting Pressure on the Cuban Regime
Hammer framed his comments within a pressure campaign that, according to him, "is intensifying." He linked the regional energy issue to the cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuban power structures.
He explained that the oil received from Venezuela under Maduro's regime acted as a form of "payment" benefiting the security apparatus and the leadership. The U.S. stance, Hammer reiterated, aims to prevent those resources from continuing to sustain the system.
During the press interaction, Hammer used the immediate dilemma that the Cuban government faces regarding aid as an example. He questioned how the regime could explain to its population that it cannot accept necessary assistance "that people need to survive."
He reiterated the message to the Cuban people, which he claims to convey "daily" as he walks the streets and visits homes: that the U.S. desires for the people to "live in freedom."
Humanitarian Aid Logistics
Regarding logistics, Hammer explained that distribution would be organized in affected areas through local networks (with transportable-sized boxes) and acknowledged that fuel shortages pose a challenge.
He also warned that if the government attempted to divert or seize the aid, it would only be by taking it from families, something that, he assured, would be closely watched.
The humanitarian aid plan for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa includes charter flights from Miami to Holguín and Santiago de Cuba, as well as a ship carrying additional assistance set to dock in Santiago.
The State Department estimated that the aid could reach up to 24,000 people in the hardest-hit provinces: Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo.
In addition to basic food supplies (such as rice, beans, oil, and sugar), the Church will distribute items for purifying and storing water, as well as essential household goods, including pots, cooking utensils, sheets, blankets, and solar-powered flashlights to address power outages.
Melissa struck eastern Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane last October, leaving thousands homeless and causing damage to crops, telecommunications, electricity, and water pumping infrastructure.
U.S. Warnings to the Cuban Regime
President Donald Trump issued a new, direct warning to the Cuban regime on Saturday, asserting that "there will be no more oil or money" flowing from Venezuela to the island and suggesting that Havana should "make a deal before it's too late."
This message comes just a week after the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores during a U.S. military operation in Caracas—a development that has reshaped the political landscape of the continent and left Cuba in a position of maximum vulnerability.
"Cuba lived for many years off large quantities of oil and money from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided 'security services' to the last two Venezuelan dictators. But no more!" Trump declared, before asserting that "most of those Cubans are dead after last week's attack."
The U.S. president proclaimed that "Venezuela no longer needs protection from the thugs and extortionists" sent by Havana, declaring that from now on, "the United States will protect the Venezuelan people."
Key Questions About U.S.-Cuba Relations
What is the current U.S. diplomatic focus in Cuba?
The U.S. diplomatic focus in Cuba is to directly reach and support the Cuban people while preventing the government from benefiting from any assistance, as well as ensuring national security and promoting a free Cuba.
How is humanitarian aid being distributed in Cuba?
Humanitarian aid is being distributed through local networks in affected areas with items such as food, water purification supplies, and essential household goods. The logistics are challenged by fuel shortages, and strict monitoring is in place to prevent government interference.