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By Soo Kim
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A message from a United States Department of State helpline, which directed Americans in the Middle East to "not rely on the US government" for assistance before the message was later updated, has gone viral on social media.
The automated message was given to those who call the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs phone line (202-501-4444) about the crisis in the Middle East.
A recording of the message shared on Threads by Kimmie Nicole (@kimmieelrod) said callers were initially advised to "not rely on the US government for assisted departure or evacuation…" The post has had over 258,000 views since it was posted on March 4.
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A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State told Newsweek that "the outdated voice message, ran by a third party, has been fixed to correctly reflect the current guidance."
The automated message says "the U.S. is committed to helping U.S. citizens who want to leave the region to do so" and directs callers to stay on the line "if you are calling for assistance with travel."
When contacted for comment, the White House shared a statement with Newsweek from Tommy Pigott, the principal deputy spokesperson for the Department of State. It said the department has activated an "interagency task force surging personnel and resources necessary to provide American citizens with safety and security information and consular assistance…"
Why It Matters
Several Americans have been stranded in the Middle East after the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on Saturday morning. At least 555 people have been killed in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, which said that more than 130 cities across the country have been attacked. Officials said 11 people have been killed in Israel and 31 in Lebanon.
The Department of State issued a travel warning on Saturday advising "Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution" and to "follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate."
What To Know
The caption shared in the viral Threads post says: "This is the message you get when you call 202-501-4444—the number the State Department gave Americans abroad to call if they need help getting out."
The video shows the number on a cellphone, with an automated message playing that says: "Welcome to the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizen Services, serving U.S. citizens abroad. If you are calling about the crisis in the Middle East, please press 1, if not press 2. Please do not rely on the US government for assisted departure or evacuation at this time. There are currently no United States evacuation points."
The message went on to say: "Please continue to check the embassy's website for updated information. In the event of ongoing military action, Americans should shelter in place until it is safe to move about freely. Please, enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program, or STEP, at step.state.gov. This is a free service to allow U.S. Citizens to register their trip abroad and provide any available real-time updates…"
But the automated message has since been updated to say: "The U.S. is committed to helping U.S. citizens who want to leave the region to do so. If you are calling for assistance with travel, please stay on the line," after you press 1 following the initial greeting message.
A spokesperson for the Department of State told Newsweek that State Department Call Center lines are "fully operational" at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). "Due to high call volume, wait times may be longer than usual," the spokesperson noted.
What People Are Saying
When contacted for comment, the White House also shared with Newsweek links to several posts on X from Pigott.
Pigott wrote in an X post on March 4: "The @StateDept is working every second to identify, communicate, and facilitate options to assist Americans in the Middle East…" In another X post shared on March 3, Pigott says: "The safety and security of the American people is our highest priority." In a post from the same day, Pigott notes that the department is "assisting thousands of Americans with information on departure options, and proactively identifying charter flights, buses, and personalized departure guidance."
Kim Lippke (@kimmielippke), who is a caregiver, wrote on Threads: "America refusing to help Americans. Seems right on brand for this administration."
Nicole Yeary (@nicoleyeary), who describes herself as a creator, entrepreneur and technologist, wrote on Threads: "That’s crazy…"
**Nickole Malloyd (@itsanickoleworld), who is a writer, wrote on Threads: "**Please do not rely on the US government to help remove you from a dangerous situation we created because we were too dumb to get you out before creating said dangerous situation."
What Happens Next
In an X post shared on Thursday, Pigott said that the Department of State’s task force has "helped 7,300 Americans with travel guidance and departure options" and that "charter flights are underway."
The department also shared a post on X on Thursday, noting that "a Department of State charter flight of American citizens departed the Middle East" and "additional flights will be surged across the region and American citizens in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel…"
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