The United States Department of State has responded to criticisms from Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who stated in an interview with Dominican television that the $100 million in humanitarian aid offered by Washington did not include food or medicine. In statements to the independent outlet Café Fuerte, a senior US official categorically rejected these claims, describing them as "totally and absolutely false." The official confirmed that the shipments are ready and will begin in July, provided the Cuban regime allows it, and that they include food, as was demonstrated during inspections following Hurricane Melissa.