President Trump Secures Return of American Hostage Biden Failed to Free

President Donald Trump has once again demonstrated decisive leadership on the world stage, announcing the return of Edan Alexander—the last American held hostage by Hamas—after nearly 18 months of captivity. The Biden administration failed to bring him home, but President Trump got it done.

The breakthrough was first shared by President Trump himself on Truth Social, ahead of confirmation from other outlets. Alexander, an American-Israeli dual citizen, was captured during the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, while serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

“I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family. I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen,” the President wrote.

“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. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!”

The announcement comes just as President Trump prepares for a high-level Middle East tour, including stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—underscoring his deep diplomatic engagement in the region.

According to The Times of Israel, Edan Alexander grew up in New Jersey and was serving with the IDF when he was taken captive. Despite a year and a half of stagnation under the Biden White House, President Trump made Alexander’s release a top priority, dispatching Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiations. Witkoff traveled from Oman to Israel to finalize the arrangement.

Hamas, in its own statement, claimed the release was linked to “intensified efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open border crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.” However, the group gave no specifics on the timing or logistics of Alexander’s release.

Critically, a source close to the talks said Hamas was informed that freeing Alexander would be a significant step toward bringing President Trump to the negotiating table on broader issues concerning Gaza and Israel. That move appears to have paid off.

As part of its statement, Hamas suggested an “agreed prisoner exchange” and called for Gaza to be managed by an “independent professional authority.” In other words, the terror organization is beginning to acknowledge the end of its rule—perhaps a direct result of President Trump’s pressure campaign.

Back in the U.S., and in Israel, the response from the Alexander family was emotional and stunned.

“The entire family is now on the way to Israel,” Edan’s father, Adi, told Ynet.

“We were completely surprised to receive the call from Witkoff. We knew about the negotiations but not about such a dramatic development.”

Even more telling: the Israeli government was not part of the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the release came without preconditions or compensation—simply as a gesture of goodwill toward the United States and its strong leadership.

“The U.S. conveyed to Israel that this move is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of additional hostages, based on the original Witkoff proposal — which Israel has already accepted,” said a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

According to that framework, roughly half the remaining hostages would be freed in exchange for an extended truce, with the rest to be released when the conflict ends. However, Israel made it clear: negotiations will proceed even under active fire, and the military will not stand down until all objectives are met.

Sources involved in the talks said that while Alexander is transferred to U.S. custody, Israel will briefly pause its operations and surveillance in key areas of Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents relatives of those kidnapped by Hamas, called Alexander’s release a first step.

“There is only one moral, proper and necessary agreement: the immediate return of all the hostages and the end of the war,” the group stated. “Now is the time to bring about a breakthrough in negotiations. The responsibility lies with the Israeli government. Nobody can be left behind.”

But the truth is, that kind of breakthrough has only begun happening under President Trump’s watch. Once again, he’s doing what Biden couldn’t—or wouldn’t.