President Donald Trump is committed to leaving no American behind. Since taking office, President Trump and his administration have secured the release of scores of detained Americans abroad. The most recent release is that of Edan Alexander, held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 19 months. The 21-year-old had been serving in the Israeli army on the border of Gaza when he was captured by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.
After announcing Alexander’s imminent release, President Trump expressed his gratitude on Truth Social “to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones.”
In a post on X, U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff said Alexander’s “return gives hope to so many.” He credited President Trump’s leadership for making the release possible. He added, “We remain committed to bringing every last hostage home.”
Some of the other Americans released from captivity since President Trump assumed office include:
Ksenia Karelina — an American ballet dancer who was wrongfully detained in a Russian penal colony for 14 months. She returned home in April.
Marc Fogel — an American teacher who was wrongfully detained in a Russian prison for years — returned home in February, making good on a promise President Trump made to Fogel’s 95-year-old mother, Malphine.
Keith Siegel — an American held hostage by Hamas for 484 days — was freed in February. “I am here, and I am alive. President Trump, you saved my life. You saved the life of 33 hostages because of your efforts,” Siegel said.
George Glezmann — an American held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for 836 days — was freed in March, joining Americans Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were released on the night of President Trump’s inauguration.
This a new era said U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler “where we’re saying that it is not acceptable in any case to hold American citizens abroad wrongfully. And [President Trump] will continue to push until all of our Americans, dead or alive, are returned.”
President Trump is Bringing Home Detained Americans
- Policy Office
President Donald Trump is committed to leaving no American behind. Since taking office, President Trump and his administration have secured the release of scores of detained Americans abroad. The most recent release is that of Edan Alexander, held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 19 months.
