The State Department's spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, on Monday addressed accusations by Miguel Díaz-Canel and asserted to NBC 6 that "the humanitarian crisis unfolding on the island is a direct consequence of the Cuban regime, its failed economic model, and its own incompetence."
These remarks were made following Díaz-Canel's claims that Washington is pursuing "a policy of maximum economic strangulation against the Cuban people." The leader made these statements during the commemoration of the Moncada Barracks attack anniversary, where he blamed the U.S. embargo for the deaths and misery plaguing Cuba.
Pigott referenced a quote from Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "The only thing worse than a communist is an incompetent communist, and that is the regime we are witnessing in Cuba."
The spokesperson was explicit in holding the Cuban government accountable: "What is concerning is that we are witnessing a regime committed to plundering the resources of the Cuban people to line their own pockets."
Challenging Havana's Narrative
In response to Havana's official narrative that attributes the crisis to the embargo, Pigott reminded that "there have always been exceptions within the embargo to allow food and medicine to reach the Cuban people."
U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
The spokesperson reaffirmed that "the United States stands with the Cuban people" and detailed that Washington has pledged up to $100 million in humanitarian aid, distributed through third parties such as the Catholic Church, Cáritas Cuba, and independent non-governmental organizations, without the Cuban government acting as an intermediary.
This aid package, formally announced by Rubio on May 8, 2026, is structured with $60 million allocated to the Catholic Church and $40 million for independent NGOs.
The first official shipment of this aid — 18 tons of food and hygiene supplies — departed from Miami on July 21, coordinated with Catholic Relief Services and Cáritas Cuba, to ensure that resources reach those in need directly.
Cuba is experiencing its worst crisis in decades, with power outages lasting between 22 and 25 hours daily, severe shortages of fuel, food, and medicine.
The regime, however, has rejected the "humanitarian crisis" label and continues to blame the embargo for all its woes, ignoring decades of failed economic management and political repression as structural causes of the collapse.
Understanding the Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the humanitarian crisis in Cuba according to the U.S.?
According to the U.S., the humanitarian crisis in Cuba is primarily caused by the Cuban regime's failed economic model and its incompetence, rather than the U.S. embargo.
How is the U.S. providing aid to Cuba?
The U.S. has committed up to $100 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, distributed through third parties like the Catholic Church and independent NGOs, ensuring that the Cuban government does not act as an intermediary.
What are the conditions in Cuba during this crisis?
Cuba is facing its worst crisis in decades with power outages lasting up to 25 hours daily, and severe shortages of fuel, food, and medicine.