US to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Following Hurricane Melissa

Web Editor

October 30, 2025

a man in a suit and tie giving a speech at a podium with flags behind him and a microphone in front

Background on Marco Rubio and His Role

Marco Rubio, the current United States Secretary of State, has announced that the US is prepared to offer immediate humanitarian aid to the Cuban population affected by Hurricane Melissa. Rubio, a prominent figure in American politics and a senator representing Florida, has been vocal about the situation in Cuba.

Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Cuba

Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds of 298 kilometers per hour upon landfall, caused significant destruction in eastern Cuba. The storm demolished homes, obliterated roads, uprooted trees, and left a trail of devastation as it moved eastward. The full extent of the damage remains unknown.

US Response and Policy

According to a State Department spokesperson, the US government has yet to receive any formal request for federal assistance from Cuba. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US has taken a firm stance on policy towards Cuba. This includes reversing measures implemented by former President Joe Biden, such as imposing legal restrictions on American tourism to Cuba and supporting an economic embargo against the country.

  • Question: Who is Marco Rubio, and why is he relevant in this situation?
  • Answer: Marco Rubio is the current United States Secretary of State, representing Florida as a senator. He has been vocal about the situation in Cuba and is responsible for announcing the US’s intent to provide humanitarian aid following Hurricane Melissa.

  • Question: What was the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Cuba?
  • Answer: Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds of 298 kilometers per hour upon landfall, caused significant destruction in eastern Cuba. The storm demolished homes, obliterated roads, uprooted trees, and left a trail of devastation as it moved eastward. The full extent of the damage remains unknown.

  • Question: How has the US responded to Cuba’s request for aid following Hurricane Melissa?
  • Answer: The US government, through Marco Rubio’s announcement, has expressed its readiness to offer immediate humanitarian aid directly and through local partners. However, they have not yet received a formal request for federal assistance from Cuba.

  • Question: What is the current US policy towards Cuba?
  • Answer: Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US has adopted a firm stance on policy towards Cuba. This includes imposing legal restrictions on American tourism to Cuba and supporting an economic embargo against the country. The legislation also allows for private donations of food, medicine, and other humanitarian goods to Cuba, as well as disaster response efforts.

Encouraging Direct Support for Cuba

Marco Rubio has encouraged those wishing to support the Cuban people directly to reach out if any issues arise. This statement highlights the US’s willingness to assist while maintaining its policy stance towards Cuba.