PANews reported on May 20th, citing Axios, that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a video address to the Cuban people on Cuban Independence Day. This was Rubio's first direct address to the Cuban people since taking office, and it was also part of the Trump administration's pressure campaign against Cuba. In his address, Rubio stated, "The real reason you lack electricity, fuel, or food is that those who control your country have plundered billions of dollars and haven't used any of those funds to help the people." However, the Cuban government and its supporters attribute the country's plight to the long-standing US blockade, the new round of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, and the disruption of previously free oil supplies from Venezuela. Rubio also stated, "President Trump is committed to building a new relationship between the US and Cuba. But this must be a relationship built directly with you—the Cuban people. Furthermore, the Trump administration is providing you with $100 million worth of food and medicine, but these supplies must be distributed by the Catholic Church or other trustworthy charities."