Trump Commits U.S. Support to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquakes
Former President Donald Trump has pledged that the United States will provide assistance to Venezuela following a series of severe earthquakes that struck the northern part of the country. These quakes have tragically resulted in over 160 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries.
Describing the earthquakes as "massive in scale" with a "devastating number of deaths," Mr. Trump expressed the nation's readiness to aid Venezuela, referring to the country as the U.S.'s "new friends." He announced via social media that all government agencies have been instructed to prepare for a swift response.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel, and humanitarian supplies are being deployed immediately to support Venezuelan recovery efforts. He extended condolences to the victims and recognized the relentless efforts of rescue workers on the ground.
This development comes in the context of closer relations between the United States and Venezuela's acting government, particularly after Mr. Trump authorized a raid in Caracas targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over narcoterrorism allegations. Mr. Trump has since worked with interim leader Delcy Rodriguez to stabilize Venezuela and shift its political and economic direction, including securing the nation's substantial oil resources.
Photographs from Venezuela reveal extensive destruction, including collapsed residential buildings. Secretary Rubio highlighted ongoing urgent needs such as locating survivors trapped under rubble, and noted that the U.S. is providing aerial imagery to assess damage. Additionally, plans are underway to support Venezuela's housing and communication infrastructure while coordinating a surge of aid donations from the American public.