Since taking office, President Donald J. Trump and his administration have secured the release of 47 American citizens detained or held hostage overseas, according to statements released by the Trump administration and those directly affected.
Among the recently returned citizens is Ksenia Karelina, an American ballet dancer who was held in a Russian penal colony for 14 months. She was released and returned home in April. Speaking after her release, Karelina said, “Mr. Trump, I’m so, so grateful for you to bring me home and for [the] American government.”
Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been imprisoned in Russia for years, was released in February. His return fulfilled a promise President Trump made to Fogel’s 95-year-old mother. “President Trump is a hero,” Fogel said during his visit to the White House.
In February, Keith Siegel, an American held hostage by Hamas for 484 days, was also freed. “President Trump, you saved my life,” Siegel said. “You saved the life of 33 hostages because of your efforts.”
Multiple Americans freed from Taliban custody
In March, George Glezmann was released after spending 836 days in captivity under the Taliban in Afghanistan. His release follows the earlier return of fellow Americans Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were freed on the night of Trump’s inauguration. “President Trump — amazing. Thank God he’s in the White House,” Glezmann said.
The Trump administration has framed these releases as part of a broader commitment to assertive foreign policy and to ensuring no American is left behind. According to the administration, more releases are expected as diplomatic efforts continue.
President Trump has personally welcomed several of the freed individuals to the White House since their return to the United States.
Dozens of American citizens held abroad have returned home since Trump’s inauguration, with more efforts reportedly underway.