Donald Trump Welcomes Edan Alexander, Hamas Hostage Freed After Election Victory [WATCH]

Edan Alexander, the 21-year-old American-Israeli who was held hostage by Hamas for over a year and a half, was welcomed at the White House this week by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, as reported by The New York Post.

Alexander, a New Jersey native, had traveled to Israel to complete his mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces when he was abducted during the October 7, 2023, terror attack carried out by Hamas.

Edan Alexander endured hell — held hostage by Hamas for 584 days. President Trump promised to bring him home — and kept that promise. Today, President Trump welcomed him to the Oval Office.

We won’t stop until every hostage is reunited with their family. ️ pic.twitter.com/JBYlCkJOlZ

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 3, 2025

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He was held captive in the Gaza Strip for 584 days before being released on May 12, 2025.

During his meeting with President Trump, Alexander reportedly disclosed that the conditions of his captivity improved significantly after Trump was elected in November 2024.

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Details of that improvement were not disclosed, but the timing of the change was noted during the conversation at the White House.

President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS welcome Edan Alexander, American citizen held hostage by Hamas for 584 days, to the White House pic.twitter.com/6IrbHufceJ

— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) July 3, 2025

Alexander’s release was described by officials as a goodwill gesture from Hamas to President Trump.

Though the terror group did not make a public statement linking the release to the administration change, intelligence officials have acknowledged the timing and nature of the release raised diplomatic questions.

Alexander was one of several hostages taken on October 7, when Hamas launched a wide-scale surprise attack on southern Israel. The assault resulted in hundreds of deaths and dozens of hostages, including both Israeli citizens and foreign nationals.

Alexander’s family in New Jersey had campaigned tirelessly for his release over the past year, maintaining pressure on both Israeli and American officials to keep his case a priority.

His eventual release came amid a shift in Middle East diplomatic dynamics following Trump’s return to office.

While the full terms of his release remain classified, officials confirmed that no direct prisoner swap or ransom was paid by the United States government. Alexander was debriefed and underwent medical evaluations before returning to his family in the U.S.

During the White House meeting, President Trump praised Alexander for his service and resilience, calling his return “a symbol of American strength and resolve.”

What an honor to meet Edan Alexander and his wonderful parents today at the White House ahead of his meeting with the President and First Lady.

Edan, you are an American hero! #BringThemHome pic.twitter.com/Jkt39r57bA

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) July 3, 2025

Trump also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the release of remaining hostages and restoring American leadership abroad.

No public statement has been issued by Hamas regarding Alexander’s release or his remarks about his treatment while in captivity.

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