At a National Day of Prayer event held Thursday evening in the White House Rose Garden, U.S President Donald Trump addressed the case of Edan Alexander, the kidnapped IDF soldier and dual American citizen, who was abducted by Hamas on October 7.
Watched Trump’s Address (minute 34):
“We Don’t Really Know His Condition”
“We don’t really know how he’s doing,” Trump said, speaking directly to Edan’s parents, Yael and Adi Alexander, who were seated in the audience. “We think we know, and we hope it’s good news. Two months ago, we were fairly certain he was about to be released—but then they hardened their position. It’s terrible.”
Trump continued: “Your son could have been here with us today. I cannot imagine your pain. But we all stand with you—and we will do everything we can, as quickly as possible.”
Trump Blames Iran, Criticizes Biden Administration
In his remarks, Trump sharply criticized the Biden administration and its policies toward Iran:
“October 7 wouldn’t have happened if I were president. Iran had no money—they were broke. They couldn’t fund Hamas or Hezbollah.”
He accused Hamas of using hostages as bargaining chips and said he had recently spoken with former hostages, including Noa Argamani, Eli Sharabi, and Omer Shem-Tov.
“They told me: ‘We didn’t get a single kind word. No one even gave us an extra piece of bread. Just constant humiliation.’”
Edan Alexander – The Last Known American Hostage Held by Hamas
Edan Alexander, a young American from New Jersey, made aliyah to Israel in 2022 and was abducted during the Hamas attack. He has since become one of the most prominent symbols of the hostage crisis—especially as, according to Trump, he is the last known living American citizen held by Hamas.
“There are still 59 hostages—and only 24 of them are alive,” Trump said, citing a conversation he had with one of the released captives. “But we’re going to do what it takes to bring Idan—and all of them—home
