OPINION: The Trump admin has done an outstanding job bringing American detainees home
The Trump administration has prioritized a bold but important mission: bringing home Americans being held overseas in countries like Russia and Afghanistan.
Opinion-editorial by Summer Lane | August 14, 2026
It’s a general rule of thumb that a good father should look after the needs of his own household first. His family’s needs are more important than others’.
This doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about other people. Simply put, it means that a good father understands his priorities. Take care of your family first, and then serve others.
This illustration holds remarkably true when one looks at what people tend to want out of the leadership of the United States. In fact, it is the very foundation of the America First movement: putting the needs of the American people first before worrying about the plight of so many others.
Why? Another illustration: one cannot pour from an empty cup. American heroism and generosity are only as far-reaching as its internal strength. It is essential to nurture the needs of the domestic American public before reaching into foreign lands.
This is the essence of America First.
This is the idea that the entire movement boils down to, and it is this common-sense desire that ultimately boosted President Trump’s 2024 presidential election win.
While Americans will no doubt debate the politics of many decisions made by this administration, one thing is certain: the Trump administration has gone above and beyond when it comes to reaching out to American citizens who need help around the world.
A good father brings his hurting children home
This week, the Trump administration secured the release of Marine Corps veteran Robert Gilman. Gilman was held in Russian prison for years, and has been in very poor health. Russian authorities released Gilman to U.S. officials following a phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“After my discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis. We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place,” President Trump said in a statement.
This is wonderful news.
Another win took place this week when President Trump confirmed that his administration had aided in securing the return of kidnapped missionary Kevin Rideout.
Rideout was kidnapped by Jihadists in Niger and held in captivity for more than nine months. He has been returned to America and will be reunited with his family, as reported by LindellTV.
A good father – and a good leader – prioritizes the safe return of his people.
Huge wins on the detainee front
Gilman and Rideout’s return to the U.S. are just a sampling of those who have been freed from unfair detainment in foreign countries, thanks to the current White House administration’s intervention.
Since taking office, President Trump and his team have secured the release of more than 100 detained Americans held abroad, per the White House.
Consider the following accomplishments from the Trump administration:
- Ksenia Karelina, an American ballet dancer, was returned to the U.S. in 2025 after being wrongfully detained in a Russian penal colony. “Mr. Trump, I’m so, so grateful for you to bring me home and for [the] American government,” Karelina said upon her release. “And I never felt more blessed to be American — and I’m so, so happy to get home. Thank you.”
- Keith Siegel, an American held hostage by Hamas for a shocking 484 days. Siegel was freed shortly after the president took office in early 2025. “I am here and I am alive,” Siegel said.
- Marc Fogel, an American teacher who was wrongfully held in a Russian prison for years. “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,” Fogel stated. “When I met him, the energy, the can-do attitude just exudes from his body.”
- George Glezmann, who was held for an unthinkable 836 days by the Taliban in Afghanistan, was freed last spring thanks to President Trump (also freed alongside Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, two other Americans freed almost immediately after Trump retook office). “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,” Glezmann said.
- Dennis Coyle, an American researcher from Colorado, who was also held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for more than a year, was returned to the U.S. in March 2026. President Trump had previously vowed to “take care of” that situation. He made good on his word.
Wins worth celebrating
With all that is going on in the world, it’s good news that America has an administration that is willing to pursue the freedom and liberation of Americans who are hurting or unjustly targeted by enemies.
It is a sign of good leadership, and whether one agrees with everything the White House is doing or not, for anyone who loves their fellow Americans, these wins are victories worth celebrating in a major way.
Photo: Pixabay
