Secretary Rubio explains about US aid to Venezuela after the earthquake
Secretary Rubio, in Manama, Bahrain, describes the US government’s comprehensive response to Venezuela’s back-to-back earthquakes. He ensures the immediate deployment of search and rescue teams, medical services and humanitarian aid, stressing the urgency of saving lives. Rubio reiterates President Donald Trump’s commitment to supporting Venezuela and working with international partners in recovery efforts and long-term stability.
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Following a catastrophic set of earthquakes that left at least 235 people dead in Venezuela, the Trump administration activated a government-wide aid response, pledging $150 million in aid and sending US Navy ships to assist in life-saving operations.
Thursday’s swift mobilization comes after earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela about 120 kilometers west of Caracas on Wednesday night.
The unusual “double” earthquake injured more than 940 people and turned the state of La Guaira into a disaster zone, while forcing the closure of the damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport, according to Venezuela’s Ministry of Health.
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Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following the earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Manaure Quintero/AFP via Getty Images)
The US State Department announced Thursday that it will mobilize $150 million in aid, including $50 million in new bilateral awards for grassroots aid partners – such as Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services and World Vision – and a $100 million contribution to the United Nations’ combined aid fund.
To lead the ground effort, the State Department deployed a Regional Disaster Response Team alongside two specialized urban search and rescue teams from the fire departments of Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California.
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Members of the international team of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (USA-2) are preparing to go to Venezuela, in Pacoima, Calif., on Thursday. (Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images)
The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said it is increasing US forces in the region, directing the USS Fort Lauderdale and the USS Billings to Venezuela to support the State Department-led operation.
The USS Fort Lauderdale will serve as a “floating command center” with a flight deck to support heavy-lift helicopters and a well deck to launch landing craft, according to SOUTHCOM.
Meanwhile, the aging USS Billings will provide critical support near shore to speed up the disaster response operation.
US SOUTHCOM said it has directed USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and USS Billings (LCS 15) to Venezuela to support relief operations led by the US State Department in Venezuela. (@Southcom/X)
SOUTHCOM said it is also deploying helicopters, which will provide critical support for life-saving aircraft, transporting US government personnel, search and rescue teams and partners during relief operations.
In this critical situation, the State Department emphasized that the safety of American citizens remains a priority for the administration.
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of the American people. The State Department is working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to US citizens and their families in the affected areas,” the officials wrote in a statement. “The United States remains committed to helping Venezuela recover from this devastating crisis and will continue to explore additional ways to provide meaningful assistance at this critical time.”
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US citizens in Venezuela are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and can contact the State Department 24/7 at 202-501-4444 for emergency assistance.
Family members in the US seeking information about their loved ones can call toll-free at 888-407-4747.
