January 2, 2026 — Belly of the Beast
It’s been a rough year for Cuba. Rather, a rough few years. And with Donald Trump in the White House and Marco Rubio calling the shots on U.S. foreign policy, there’s little reason to believe things will improve anytime soon.
“Maximum pressure” sanctions imposed during the first Trump administration have resulted in an all-encompassing crisis. Medicine is scarce, rolling blackouts and long lines at gas stations are the norm and inflation has put basic necessities out of the reach of many Cubans.
But even in the face of all this, Cuba remains home to extraordinary people who persist in building a future for themselves, their loved ones and their country as a whole.
We’ve reported on this resilience throughout 2025.
When Hurricane Melissa destroyed parts of eastern Cuba, neighbors rallied around each other in its aftermath and solidarity initiatives poured in from across the island.
Cuban doctors and scientists continue to do all they can to save lives, farmers find innovative ways to feed their communities, entrepreneurs strive to grow their businesses and activists band together to protect stray animals. We’ve witnessed Cubans time and time again face overwhelming challenges with a deep sense of humanity — and that humanity is at the heart of our work.
So what are Cubans hoping for in 2026?
Watch our latest video in which Belly of the Beast journalist Liz Oliva Fernández asks Cubans how they’re feeling about the year ahead.
