By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Today marks U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, a solemn occasion where we extend our love, prayers, and unwavering support to every American held in captivity. I make a solemn promise to you, your families, and loved ones that we will never forsake you, we will never abandon you, and we are committed to bringing you back home safely and holding your captors accountable.
As President, my utmost duty is to ensure the freedom, safety, and security of American citizens. The Administration is actively working to repatriate Americans who are unjustly detained. Since taking office, we have successfully secured the release of 13 Americans held captive. Notably, six Americans held in Venezuela have returned home within 24 hours, two individuals detained in Afghanistan and Belarus have been liberated, and a Pennsylvania teacher unjustly imprisoned in Russia is now back on American soil.
Despite these victories, there are still Americans awaiting their return. Every American held unlawfully abroad must be brought back home. The United States will not tolerate the wrongful detention of its citizens. I remain steadfast in my commitment to reuniting more Americans with their families until every one of them is safely home.
On this day, we stand in solidarity with all Americans enduring the anguish of being held hostage or wrongfully detained, and we pledge to build a future grounded in the principle of peace through strength. Above all, we pray for the safety and reunion of our hostages and detainees with their families, and for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America.
By the authority of Public Law 118-31, I hereby proclaim March 9, 2025, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. Let us observe this day with programs and activities that honor those who are still awaiting their return.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 9, 2025, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. On this day, as we raise the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag at the White House, I call upon all Americans to commemorate this day with meaningful initiatives.
Given under my hand this ninth day of March, in the year two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
