A young American soldier, held in the brutal grip of Hamas terrorists since their savage attack on Israel in October 2023, has finally returned to freedom—and his first message to the world? “Thank you President Trump!”
Staff Sergeant Edan Alexander, just 21 years old and serving in the elite Golani Brigade of Israel’s Defense Forces, had endured months of captivity in Gaza at the hands of Hamas barbarians. He was abducted during Hamas’ ruthless assault on October 7, 2023—an assault which left 1,200 innocent Israelis dead. Alexander was reportedly tortured, handcuffed, and kept caged like an animal, a fact shamefully unaddressed by the Red Cross, which never once visited him despite their so-called international obligations.
But today, thanks to relentless pressure from President Trump’s diplomatic efforts and sustained military operations by Israel, Alexander is breathing the air of freedom once again. Returning to Israeli soil, greeted by tears, laughter, and the embraces of loved ones who flew from America, Alexander’s first message was clear, bold, and unmistakable. He held up a whiteboard bearing the powerful, heartfelt words: “Thank you President Trump!” alongside the Hebrew rallying cry “Am Yisrael Chai”—”The Nation of Israel Lives.”
This isn’t mere symbolism. It’s a testament to the strength, resolve, and moral clarity of a President who puts Americans first, who stands unapologetically with our allies, and who refuses to negotiate from weakness. Trump’s leadership has once again delivered results where others failed, and Americans everywhere can feel pride in their country’s restored strength and resolve.
Contrast this courageous and steadfast leadership with the disastrous policies of former President Biden and his progressive allies, whose weakness on the world stage emboldened terrorists and tyrants alike. Under Biden, America was viewed as feeble, confused, and easily manipulated—a nation whose citizens were vulnerable to capture and abuse. Today, under President Trump, that disastrous narrative has been decisively reversed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear who deserves credit for Alexander’s release, praising President Trump’s determined diplomacy and unwavering support for Israel. The Trump administration’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, along with hostage negotiators Gal Hirsch from Israel and Adam Boehler from the U.S., worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that Alexander’s captivity could end without conditions or concessions that would embolden terrorists.
But even as we celebrate Alexander’s return, we must remember there are still at least twenty innocent souls languishing in the hands of Hamas terrorists. President Trump has made clear that America will not rest until every hostage is free, every terrorist brought to justice, and the Middle East—long ravaged by conflict—moves toward lasting peace, built on strength, clear-eyed realism, and unwavering resolve.
This week, as President Trump embarks on visits to multiple Arab nations, he carries with him the moral authority that comes from championing freedom and standing resolutely against terror. Trump’s renewed diplomacy in the region is about more than just words; it’s about results. It’s about demonstrating America’s return to strength and leadership on the global stage.
Today, as we see young Staff Sergeant Edan Alexander reunited with his family, standing once again on free soil, we are reminded of why elections matter, and why strength matters. Under President Trump, America’s message is clear: we will not abandon our citizens, we will not yield to terrorists, and we will never again allow our enemies to dictate the terms of engagement.
Welcome home, Staff Sergeant Alexander. And yes, indeed—thank you, President Trump.
