Donald Trump promised to bring American hostages home during his campaign.
Many in the media doubted that the President could deliver.
But Donald Trump freed 47 American hostages and the story behind one rescue will make you stand up and cheer.
Trump administration brings hostages home at record pace
President Donald Trump wasted no time keeping his campaign pledge to bring American hostages home.
In just his first few months back in office, the Trump administration has secured the release of 47 Americans who were wrongfully detained in foreign countries.
The White House highlighted this remarkable achievement in a May 6 release that showcased President Trump’s renewed display of American strength on the world stage.
Foreign powers that once felt emboldened to detain Americans under the previous administration are now quickly releasing their captives as Trump demonstrates that hostage-taking will no longer be tolerated.
“Countries around the world respond to our renewed display of American strength and President Trump’s commitment to leaving no American behind,” the White House statement declared.
Ballet dancer reunited with family after Russian imprisonment
One of the most heartwarming stories involves American ballet dancer Ksenia Karelina, who spent 14 horrific months in a Russian penal colony before President Trump secured her freedom in April.
Upon her release, an emotional Karelina personally thanked the President for her freedom.
“Mr. Trump, I’m so, so grateful for you to bring me home and for [the] American government. And I never felt more blessed to be American — and I’m so, so happy to get home. Thank you,” Karelina said.
The ballet dancer met with President Trump in the Oval Office on May 5, where she expressed her gratitude personally to the President who had made her freedom a priority.
Trump keeps promise to 95-year-old mother
Perhaps the most touching rescue story involves American teacher Marc Fogel, who had been languishing in a Russian prison for years with no end in sight.
During his campaign, Trump had made a personal promise to Fogel’s 95-year-old mother, Malphine, that he would bring her son home if elected.
Unlike other politicians who forget campaign promises once in office, President Trump immediately worked to fulfill his commitment to the elderly mother.
In February, just weeks after his inauguration, Trump delivered on that promise when Fogel was released and returned to American soil.
A grateful Fogel didn’t mince words about who deserved credit for his freedom.
“President Trump is a hero. . . I will forever be indebted to President Trump, to Steve [Witkoff] over there — what a dynamic man this guy is. When I met him, the energy, the can-do attitude just exudes from his body,” Fogel said when he visited the White House on February 11.
Hamas and Taliban forced to release American captives
The Trump administration’s success extends beyond Russia to some of America’s most dangerous adversaries.
Keith Siegel, an American who endured 484 days as a Hamas hostage, was freed in February through Trump’s negotiation efforts.
“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 following his release.
The President also secured the release of three Americans held by the Taliban in Afghanistan. George Glezmann spent an astonishing 836 days in Taliban custody before being freed in March.
His release followed the freedom granted to Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were dramatically released on the very night of President Trump’s inauguration – a clear signal that America’s enemies understood the new administration would no longer tolerate Americans being held captive.
Glezmann expressed profound gratitude for the President’s decisive action.
“President Trump — amazing. Thank God he’s in the White House where he’s at and thank God he got me out. . . I’m in debt with everybody that was involved in this equation because they got me home. A free American individual, free from the hands of these people that abducted because of my U.S. passport, basically — and I’m just thankful. I got no words to express my gratitude for my liberty, my freedom,” Glezmann said.
Critics silenced as Trump delivers results
Throughout the 2024 campaign, media skeptics and Trump’s political opponents repeatedly questioned whether he could actually deliver on his promises to free Americans held abroad.
The stunning success of bringing 47 hostages home in just the first few months of his administration has effectively silenced these critics.
Unlike the previous administration’s approach of lengthy diplomatic negotiations and cash payments that often produced few results, Trump has taken a more direct and forceful stance that is yielding immediate success.
The President’s approach demonstrates that America’s enemies understand the difference between tough talk and real consequences – and they’re responding accordingly by releasing Americans who have been held, in some cases, for years.
With dozens of Americans now reunited with their families, the Trump administration has proven that strong leadership and a commitment to America First principles can achieve what many thought impossible.
As more Americans held abroad continue to be released, the President’s pledge to leave no citizen behind enemy lines is becoming one of the defining achievements of his early second term.
