47 americans freed abroad since trump took office, including detainees from russia, hamas, and the taliban

47 Americans freed abroad since Trump took office, including detainees from Russia, Hamas, and the Taliban

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1 min read
May 7, 2025

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.

Photo: 47 americans freed abroad since trump took office, including detainees from russia, hamas, and the taliban

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.

Photo: 47 americans freed abroad since trump took office, including detainees from russia, hamas, and the taliban

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.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

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