June 25, 2026

“We have seen in previous instances how US sanctions have restricted and hampered earthquake relief efforts,” CEPR Director of International Policy Alex Main said. “Most immediately, the Trump administration can avoid the kinds of mistakes made by the previous administration in response to the Syria earthquake in 2023, when lives were lost due to the Biden administration’s belated and limited sanctions waivers. The Venezuelan government must be free to receive and allocate earthquake relief and to send humanitarian support to those who need it. Current US and other sanctions threaten to hobble the overall earthquake response.”