President Donald Trump late Wednesday extended a US assistance offer to Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the South American nation, leaving a mounting death toll and widespread devastation.
“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!”
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 7.2 quake approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare, Venezuela, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor centered 28 kilometers southeast of the same area.
Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, in a state television address early Thursday, reported more than 160 fatalities and at least 971 injuries from the back-to-back seismic events, according to the Associated Press.
Trump said he directed all federal agencies “to get ready to move quickly” in response to the earthquakes. “We will be there for our new and great friends,” he added. “Early reports are not good!!!”
Early Thursday, Rodríguez thanked Trump for the offer and disclosed that US officials “have been in constant contact” with Venezuelan authorities. “Venezuela will never forget the helping hand extended to our people during these difficult times,” she wrote on X.
The disaster comes as Trump continues to navigate a contentious foreign policy landscape, including recent clashes with lawmakers over Iran. In a related development, Senator Cassidy refused to back down on an Iran vote after a heated exchange with Trump, underscoring ongoing tensions within the GOP over the administration’s approach to Tehran.
Meanwhile, Trump’s nearly perfect record on primary endorsements has shown limits, with two notable losses signaling that even his influence has boundaries. The administration has also faced mixed messages on Iran’s role in Lebanon talks, further complicating its diplomatic posture.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue in Venezuela, the US offer of aid marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two countries, which have been at odds over political and economic issues. The White House has not yet detailed the specific form of assistance to be provided.
