Edan Alexander, a 19-year-old Israeli-American who endured months in Hamas captivity, made global headlines upon his release this weekend—not just for his resilience, but for the sign he held that read: “Thank You President Trump!”
Alexander was one of the hostages captured by Hamas during the terrorist group’s brutal assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. After enduring nearly seven months in captivity under harsh and life-threatening conditions, he was finally released during a mediated prisoner exchange. His public expression of gratitude toward former President Donald Trump stood in stark contrast to the muted response toward the Biden administration.
The moment Alexander emerged with the hand-drawn sign thanking Trump quickly went viral. Images circulated widely across social media, showing the young soldier’s emotional reunion with family, his thin frame testifying to the hardships he faced, and his clear political statement that sparked reactions worldwide.
584 DAYS HELD HOSTAGE BY HAMAS — AMERICAN EDAN ALEXANDER IS FREE! 🇺🇸🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/3rvVqfPfdI
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 12, 2025
While the Biden administration has issued routine statements about “ongoing negotiations” and “quiet diplomacy,” critics say the current president’s approach to the Middle East has lacked urgency and moral clarity. In contrast, Alexander’s public message affirms the widely held conservative view that Trump’s foreign policy—particularly in the Middle East—was more effective and direct.
During his presidency, Trump’s administration brokered the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and multiple Arab nations. These accords were heralded by conservatives as a historic step toward peace in the region without sacrificing Israeli security. Trump’s decisive withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and his unwavering support for Israel—including relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem—cemented his reputation as a stalwart ally of the Jewish state.
It is against that backdrop that Alexander’s message gains greater significance. It wasn’t simply a personal thank-you; it was a pointed contrast. Observers note that the hostage made no mention of President Biden or Vice President Harris, despite their administration’s claims of behind-the-scenes involvement in the negotiations.
If there was ever a video that deserved slow motion, this is the one. Welcome home to Edan Alexander 🇺🇸🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/E01VhjMoSE
— TheJerseyGirl (@ChristineX2024) May 12, 2025
Sources close to the Alexander family say Edan’s sign was not politically orchestrated but stemmed from genuine sentiment. “He knows who stood strong with Israel, who made the enemies of Israel think twice,” one family acquaintance shared.
Conservative leaders have applauded the gesture. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman tweeted, “Edan Alexander knows who had Israel’s back. Thank you, President Trump!” Several members of Congress echoed the sentiment, citing it as a moment that encapsulates the broader foreign policy failures of the current administration.
The Gateway Pundit emphasized the powerful symbolism in Alexander’s act. In their coverage, they underscored that while mainstream media largely downplayed the sign, grassroots platforms lit up with messages of support for the young hostage and his public gratitude to Trump.
The Biden administration, meanwhile, has remained conspicuously silent on Alexander’s message. White House press briefings this week made no mention of the sign, nor did any administration officials acknowledge the gesture. Critics say the lack of recognition reveals a discomfort with any narrative that affirms the former president’s success.
This story also resonates with American voters who prioritize strength in international relations. Biden’s perceived hesitance on Hamas, Iran, and border security has left many questioning his administration’s effectiveness. Alexander’s sign has therefore become a symbolic rallying point for those who believe America’s foreign policy must be bold, unapologetic, and grounded in moral clarity.
Edan Alexander’s message—drawn on a simple piece of cardboard—cut through the complexity of diplomatic spin. It reminded Americans that courage, gratitude, and principle still matter. In thanking Trump, Alexander voiced a sentiment that resonates across much of conservative America: that under the previous administration, the enemies of freedom were forced to take notice—and allies could count on unwavering support.
As the 2024 election cycle heats up, the image of Edan’s sign may linger long after press briefings fade. It represents more than a thank-you note. It is a testimonial from someone who has faced terror firsthand and has chosen to publicly honor the leader he believes stood with him—even while others remained silent.
