President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order aimed at punishing countries and non-state actors that wrongfully detain US citizens abroad.
The new policy creates a “state sponsor of wrongful detention” designation, giving the State Department authority to impose sanctions, restrict visas, and cut foreign assistance. It also extends to non-state actors controlling significant territory, even if they are not formally recognized governments.
“Anyone who uses an American as a bargaining chip will pay the price,” Trump said during the announcement.
The White House described the order as a robust tool to protect Americans overseas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it an “unprecedented action” designed to impose real consequences on governments engaging in coercive detentions.
The Foley Foundation, which advocates for hostages and detainees, reported that at least 54 Americans were wrongfully detained in 17 countries in 2024. Its latest findings show that 83% of US citizens detained abroad were victims of wrongful detention.
The administration noted that while many foreign arrests are legitimate, the order targets cases where Americans are held for political leverage. The White House also said Trump has already secured the release of 72 detainees, including Marc Fogel in Russia and George Glezmann in Afghanistan.
The order builds on the Robert Levinson Act, passed during Trump’s first term, which outlined criteria for identifying wrongful detentions.
