Suppose someone tells you they saw your neighbor throwing trash at your door. Enraged, you might rush home to confront them. If you meet the “culprit” on the way, a quarrel might erupt. Then you discover the information was false. Would you trust that source again?
But many of you do exactly that—again and again—accepting unverified rumors dumped on you like garbage.
Now ask yourself: Is the national or international news we consume sheepishly—without scrutiny—less harmful than trash on your doorstep?
Eritreans are bombarded with rumors, propaganda, and confusing reports—often framed as firsthand information when they’re anything but. Why, then, do people keep believing them?
Just days ago, I came across an upbeat news clip from a supposedly informational YouTube channel. The presenter claimed that both Trump and his foreign secretary, Marco Rubio, sent messages to Isaias Afwerki on the 34th anniversary of Eritrea’s independence. Yet, I couldn’t find Trump’s message anywhere—only Rubio’s.
Let’s be clear: there are about 193 countries in the world. The U.S. maintains relations with most. Do you think the president and secretaries craft personalized letters for each national holiday? These messages are generic, diplomatic templates—brief and void of serious policy implications.
It’s like when a neighbor you dislike is marrying off his daughter, and out of courtesy, you offer congratulations. It doesn’t mean you’ve reconciled. It’s just a gesture.
Diplomats are good at that. But some countries interpret such gestures through an absurd lens, seeing belligerence and imaginary victories. They cross every red line of diplomatic decency to prove their self-importance.
Those exposed to such propaganda must not be gullible—don’t chew on lies like a dog chews a bone. Lies are lies—especially when dressed up as “diplomatic breakthroughs.” It’s misleading.
A few members of the PFDJ propaganda machine, masquerading as journalists, blew Trump and Rubio’s run-of-the-mill messages out of proportion.
But information should be verified truth—and truth is not relative. Those who won’t do due diligence have no business commenting on news. Propagandists, however, know how to excite their audience and serve them platefuls of half-baked nonsense. They serve their bosses well—but their audiences remain hypnotized, lulled by false hope.
Not long ago, the same channels claimed that Saudi Arabia would invest $2 billion in Assab. I exposed the lie (see the Negarit link here). It angered many—I disrupted their dreamlike trance. I expect the same backlash this time. Sorry in advance. Trump is not courting Isaias.
Here is the “Trump” message I found only on one suspicious site:
“On behalf of the American people, I extend our warmest congratulations on the 34th anniversary of Eritrea’s independence. Today, we celebrate the rich history and culture of Eritrea. The United States looks forward to strengthening its relations with Eritrea and advancing our shared goal of bringing peace and prosperity to the Horn of Africa…”
Here’s the official message from Secretary Rubio (this one is verified):
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State—May 24, 2025
“On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate Eritreans around the world on the 34th anniversary of Eritrea’s independence… We share interest in promoting peace and prosperity for the Horn of Africa…”
A YouTuber presented the two messages as proof that the U.S. was warming up to Eritrea. He interpreted every word as though it were divine scripture. “If the U.S. didn’t wish to engage Eritrea,” he argued, “they would’ve remained silent. This message means they are reaching out!”
All that was drawn from an 80-word diplomatic template!
Had the audience listened or read critically, they wouldn’t have fallen for the farce. The excitement lasted a week—until reality hit.
But let’s be clear: the U.S. has sent similar messages before. A simple search reveals this. For example, here’s one from 2017, by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson:
“On behalf of the government and people of the United States, congratulations to the people of Eritrea on the 26th anniversary of your nation on May 24th…”
There’s even this from Natalie E. Brown, then U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Asmara:
“My Embassy colleagues join me in congratulating the people of Eritrea on the 26th anniversary of their nationhood. We wish you a happy May 24th…”
Then came the final blow—on June 4, 2025, the U.S. administration suspended the entry of Eritrean nationals into the U.S.
The May 24 U.S. statement:
- The U.S. questions the Eritrean government’s capacity to issue credible passports and civil documents. Eritrea doesn’t share criminal records and has long refused to take back deportable nationals.
- Effective immediately, the entry of Eritrean nationals as immigrants and non-immigrants is fully suspended.
So much for “warming relations.”
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