The Trump administration has been heavily criticized for its response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela after natural disaster alerts were posted on social media platforms that remain blocked in the country. The US embassy in Caracas, which reopened in March after nearly seven years of inactivity, issued urgent warnings on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram following two powerful earthquakes—magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5—that struck within a minute. At least 164 people have been killed, according to Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, who called the second quake the strongest to hit the nation in 200 years. The death toll is expected to rise.
Alerts Issued on Banned Platforms
The embassy's alerts advised US citizens to avoid damaged areas, not enter unstable buildings, monitor local media, and seek secure shelter. A link to the embassy's official website was included. However, many Americans living in Venezuela likely never received these notices because the country's media—both traditional and social—is heavily censored. Social media sites including X are either blocked or inaccessible to the general public, meaning over 414,000 followers of the embassy's page may not have seen the message.
Venezuelan-American journalist Ali Bianco highlighted the issue on X, stating: "It's worth noting that not only is the vast majority of local media in Venezuela state-run, but several social media sites including X are blocked or inaccessible." Another user commented: "This message will likely go unseen by many people because X (formerly Twitter) remains blocked in Venezuela. It is essential that X and all other social media platforms be unblocked so that people can stay informed about what is happening in Venezuela. HELP!"
Public Outcry and Calls for Action
On Instagram, one user demanded: "LIFT THE INTERNET BLOCKADE!" while another pleaded: "Please, you can force Delcy to lift the block on X!!! Staying informed is essential right now!" A third user wrote: "There are 8 million of us Venezuelan exiles wanting to hear about our families, and those inside Venezuela have no idea of the magnitude of what has happened!"
The Trump administration, which took control of Venezuela's oil industry after ousting former leader Nicolás Maduro in January, has promised to send aid. President Trump stated he had instructed all US federal agencies "to get ready to move quickly" in response, adding: "We will be there for our new and great friends."
