How President Trump is Safeguarding U.S. Citizens from Wrongful Detention Overseas

Combating Wrongful Detentions: Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order to better protect U.S. citizens from wrongful detentions abroad. This order allows strong actions against foreign governments involved in such practices.

• The Secretary of State can now label countries as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention if they participate in or support wrongful detentions of Americans.
• Actions for these designated countries can include sanctions, travel restrictions, and other legal measures to discourage such practices.
• If a foreign government releases wrongfully detained U.S. nationals or shows genuine progress in addressing these issues, the designation can be lifted.
• This order also targets non-state actors who control territories and engage in wrongful detentions.

Protecting American Citizens: The order comes in response to the rising trend of foreign adversaries using wrongful detentions as a tool against the U.S.

• In recent years, adversaries have mistaken U.S. resolve. Under the prior administration, 24 Americans were taken captive compared to only a handful rescued.
• Wrongful detentions undermine the rule of law. For instance, Marc Fogel’s detention in Russia dragged on for over three years, highlighting the urgency of this issue.
• This Executive Order equips the Secretary of State with tools to safeguard Americans abroad and counter coercive tactics effectively.

Upholding American Sovereignty: President Trump remains dedicated to bringing Americans wrongfully detained overseas back home.

• His approach promotes a strong foreign policy to deter adversaries from targeting American nationals.
• Since re-entering office, Trump has helped secure the release of 72 detained Americans. Notable cases include:
• Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia, returned home after years—fulfilling a promise he made to Fogel’s mother.
• Ksenia Karelina, a ballet dancer, was released after 14 months in a Russian penal colony.
• Keith Siegel, held hostage by Hamas, was freed after 484 days.
• George Glezmann, detained by the Taliban for 836 days, returned home following his release.
• Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli citizen, returned home after 584 days as a hostage held by Hamas.

This ongoing commitment to securing the release of American detainees not only shows compassion for individual cases but also signals a firm stance against adversaries trying to manipulate U.S. citizens.

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