The Trump administration is urging Americans to flee 16 Middle Eastern countries as the Iran bombing campaign continues — but when desperate citizens actually try to escape, they get a cold shoulder and a recorded message saying the government won't help, according to a new report.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio rolled out a video Tuesday morning directing panicked Americans to call a State Department hotline. Callers are then treated to the automated message: “Please do not rely on the U.S. government for assisted departure or evacuation. At this time, there are currently no United States evacuation points."
A person eventually picks up the phone, the report noted.
Stranded Americans are furious. Two American citizens contacted the hotline looking for evacuation assistance and got nothing as airports across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Syria, and Israel shut down, with most airlines halting flights entirely.
"They are absolutely disinterested, no sense of urgency,” said James Blunt, a businessman trapped in the United Arab Emirates, describing his experience calling for help.
One woman called twice and couldn't reach anyone.
By Tuesday afternoon, as social media backlash intensified, administration officials suddenly claimed they were actively working on evacuation plans.
“Yes, the State Department is actively securing military aircraft and charter flights for American citizens who wish to leave the Middle East,” said Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of State for Global Public Affairs.
“The United States State Department is actively working on plans to help Americans in the Middle East return home,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
When asked why Americans remained stranded, Trump shrugged: "Well, because it happened all very quickly."
Democrats erupted, with New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim posting: "My office is receiving panicked calls from Americans stuck in the Middle East, outraged that our government has provided zero evacuation support."