On March 9, 2025, President Donald J. Trump proclaimed the day as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. The proclamation was made to express support for Americans held in captivity abroad and to reaffirm the commitment to their safe return.
President Trump emphasized his administration's dedication to bringing detained Americans back home, highlighting that since taking office, he has secured the release of 13 American citizens. These include six individuals from Venezuela, two from Afghanistan, two from Belarus, a teacher from Pennsylvania who was held in Russia, and two American-Israeli citizens previously detained by Hamas.
In his proclamation, President Trump stated: "Every American held unjustly abroad must be released and returned home." He assured that efforts would continue until all detained Americans are reunited with their families.
The President called on Congress's designation of March 9 as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day under Public Law 118-31 approved on December 22, 2023. He urged the public to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities while flying the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag at the White House.
President Trump concluded by asking for divine protection over those still detained: "Above all, we ask Almighty God to keep our hostages and wrongful detainees safe; to reunite them with their families."
