U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, 2026
This Proclamation, issued by President Donald J. Trump, officially establishes March 9, 2026, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, honoring Americans unjustly held abroad and reaffirming commitment to their safe return.
The document celebrates the recent release of 101 detained Americans and announces that a new Executive Order to combat wrongful detention abroad has been signed, which grants the Secretary of State authority to designate foreign countries as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention, with Iran being the first recipient of this designation.
Arguments For
Emphasizes the constitutional role of the President in directing foreign policy and protecting U.S. citizens abroad.
Highlights the administration's successful efforts to secure the release of detained Americans, using these successes as justification for continued assertive action.
Supports legislative action (P.L. 118-31) by formally observing the designated national day, thereby bolstering societal awareness and unity on the issue.
Offers a clear, proactive framework (Executive Order regarding State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention) for deterring foreign adversaries through targeted sanctions, presenting a stronger bargaining position than previous administrations.
Arguments Against
The proclamation involves actions by a specific administration (Donald J. Trump, 2026) which may not reflect the policy priorities of other administrations, leading to policy whiplash.
Designating countries as 'State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention' and imposing sanctions could escalate diplomatic tensions beyond what is necessary or advisable for securing individual releases.
The document selectively highlights past successes while simultaneously claiming past Presidents were 'weak,' which can politicize a humanitarian issue.
The creation of new punitive measures (designation, sanctions) relies on the Executive branch utilizing broad authority, potentially raising concerns about executive overreach in foreign affairs.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
This U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, we extend our prayers and support to every American captive forced to spend days, months, or years in harrowing darkness and confinement. To every American unjustly held abroad — we will not waver in our commitment to bringing you home safely and securely.
This section formally begins the proclamation under the President’s authority.
It offers immediate support and heartfelt prayers to all Americans currently held captive or unjustly detained in foreign countries, assuring them of the unwavering governmental commitment to secure their release.
Since returning to office, I have worked tirelessly to deliver on my promise to leave no American behind. In just 1 year, we have secured the release of 101 detained Americans abroad — a record-breaking achievement. We have successfully brokered a historic peace deal between Israel and Gaza to deliver all remaining hostages to their families and loved ones; secured the release of more than a dozen wrongfully detained Americans from Venezuela following our decisive action against the Maduro regime; and overseen the freedom of hostages from Afghanistan, Russia, and Belarus. No longer will their days be marked by tallies on the wall; instead, they will be marked by long-awaited reunions with family, the freedom to rebuild their lives, and the lasting contributions they will make to their communities and our Nation.
The President highlights claimed achievements since returning to office, citing the release of 101 detained Americans within one year as a record achievement.
Specific diplomatic successes mentioned include brokering a peace deal involving Israeli hostages in Gaza, securing releases from Venezuela following actions against the Maduro regime, and freeing hostages from Afghanistan, Russia, and Belarus.
The text emphasizes the return to normal life for these individuals.
This year especially, we also remember that, 47 years ago, the brutal Iranian regime seized power on the backs of American hostages. Over the course of the nearly five decades since, Iran has routinely and cruelly detained innocent Americans to use as leverage against weak Presidents of the past. Under my leadership, we are finally putting an end to this evil practice.
This paragraph specifically references the 47th anniversary of the Iranian regime's seizure of power, which was tied to American hostage-taking.
It criticizes Iran for using detained Americans as leverage against prior U.S. Presidents, asserting that the current administration is stopping this practice.
Despite our tremendous progress, our work on behalf of peace will not be complete until every American being held hostage or wrongfully detained is liberated. My Administration is executing a foreign policy of peace through strength, backed by the mightiest military on earth and an unwavering commitment to defend American lives, safety, and interests. I recently signed an Executive Order to enhance our efforts to protect United States citizens from wrongful detention abroad by expanding our methods to take action against foreign actors who threaten the safety of our citizens. The Secretary of State may now designate any foreign country as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention and impose firm retributions such as sanctions, travel restrictions, and the inadmissibility of foreign nationals into our country. Iran was the first State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention to be designated under this new authority. For as long as I am President, the United States will never yield to our enemies – and when we find them, they will be met with swift justice.
The President states that the mission continues until all Americans are free, justifying actions through a foreign policy of 'peace through strength' backed by military power.
A key announcement is the signing of an Executive Order expanding protection methods against foreign detention.
This order allows the Secretary of State to designate countries as 'State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention,' authorizing firm measures like sanctions, travel bans, and inadmissibility for foreign nationals.
Iran is named as the first country designated under this new authority.
For 250 years, America has stood as a beacon of freedom across the world — undaunted, unbroken, and unshaken in our commitment to preserving our strength. We will never cease our efforts to defend the dignity of the human person and the enduring promise of liberty for all. Today and every day, we pray for God to place His protecting hand over every brave hostage and wrongful detainee, their loved ones, and our glorious Nation.
This short paragraph connects the current efforts to the nation's 250-year history, framing the U.S. as a global symbol of freedom and strength.
It concludes with a prayer asking for divine protection for the hostages, their families, and the country.
The Congress, by Public Law 118-31 approved December 22, 2023, has designated March 9 of each year as “U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.”
This specifies the legal basis for the observance, noting that Congress established March 9th as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day via Public Law 118-31, approved on December 22, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 9, 2026, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. On this day, as we fly the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag at the White House, I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities.
This is the formal operative clause: President Donald J. Trump officially proclaims March 9, 2026, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
The President also directs that the corresponding flag will be flown at the White House and urges all citizens to honor the day through appropriate activities and ceremonies.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This is the standard closing statement, indicating when and where the document was formally signed.
The date is March 9, 2026, which is also noted as the 250th year of U.S. Independence, followed by the President's signature.