President Donald Trump scored another major foreign policy win on Thursday by securing the release of an American hostage who had been held captive for over two years. George Glezmann, a 65-year-old U.S. citizen, had been detained by the Taliban since 2022 after traveling to Afghanistan as a tourist. His release was achieved through diplomatic talks involving Qatar and was promptly announced and celebrated by the president.
“George Glezmann is free. George was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan for two and a half years, but now he’s on his way to be reunited with his wife Aleksandra. Welcome home, George!” Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on social media on behalf of the administration. A diplomatic source informed Fox News that Glezmann left Kabul airport on Wednesday, en route to Doha, the capital of Qatar. There, he will be greeted by U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler and a team from the Qatari Foreign Ministry, the outlet reported.
Negotiations to secure Glezmann’s release began when Boehler held direct talks with officials from the Afghan foreign ministry and Qatar. Both countries have maintained diplomatic relations with the Taliban since their takeover of Afghanistan—ties the U.S. does not currently share. A diplomatic source described Glezmann’s release as a “goodwill” gesture, made possible by the “trust” the Taliban have developed with Qatari officials, who continue to serve as key intermediaries between Washington and Kabul, Fox reported.
“I can’t wait to see George and help him on his road to recovery as we rebuild our lives,” said Glezmann’s wife Aleksandra. “Since the first day of the Trump administration his team has focused on securing George’s safe release. The skill and dedication demonstrated by Secretary Rubio, Mr. Waltz, and Mr. Boehler has been refreshing,” she added. “It is clear to us that their dedication to the American people is unwavering.”
Speaking with Fox after arriving statewide, Glezmann described the feeling of setting foot back home like being “born again.” He noted also, “I’m in debt with the president, President Trump. Thank God he’s in the White House where he’s at,” while thanking Secretary Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz as well.
