The White House found itself under fire for its failure to plan ahead, as Americans find themselves stranded in the Middle East during the U.S. bombing campaign against Iran.
The Trump administration urged Americans to flee 16 Middle Eastern countries as the bombing campaign rages. Desperate citizens trying to escape were instead greeted with a cold shoulder and a recorded message saying the government wouldn't help.
In response to reports on the dangerous snub, the Trump administration went into damage control.
“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.
The debacle sparked outrage on social media.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) wrote on X, "You all should have had a plan in place before you started a war. The only guidance Americans have gotten is find your own way home. The State Department needs to charter flights and buses for Americans and their families immediately."
Aaron Fritschner, deputy chief of staff to Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), expressed astonishment on X, writing, "'Working on plans?' Trump ordered a second carrier group to the region three weeks ago! How did you not think about this before today???"
Max Steele, senior director of communications at Everytown for Gun Safety, chided on X, "4 days into the war."
John Oleske, counsel for Complex Legal & Business Matters, joked on X, "They have concepts of a plan!"