Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a US citizen detained in Saudi Arabia for tweets critical of the regime, has been freed and is on his way home, his son announced, attributing the release to efforts by the Trump administration during a high-level diplomatic engagement.
Ibrahim Almadi expressed profound gratitude to US officials in an interview with CNN, stating that the Trump administration “really delivered” in his father’s case. He highlighted the long-standing mistreatment by Saudi authorities and welcomed the correction in his father’s situation. The release marks the end of a harrowing ordeal for the family, who had been advocating for Saad’s return for years.
Saad Ibrahim Almadi, 75, was arrested in 2021 on terrorism charges related to 14 tweets, one of which referenced the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The charges were later reduced to cyber crimes, and he was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2022. After being released from detention in 2023, he remained under a travel ban that prohibited him from leaving Saudi Arabia until 2054.
The breakthrough came during the US visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Ibrahim Almadi told Yahoo News that the release “would not have been possible without” Trump and key figures like White House aide Sebastian Gorka and House Speaker Mike Johnson. He recounted how a chance encounter with Johnson led to advocacy for his father’s case.
Almadi’s son described being “shocked” when he received a direct call from his father confirming the lifting of the exit ban. He immediately booked a flight for Saad to return to the US. While it was unclear if Trump intervened directly, Ibrahim believed the pressure applied by American officials during the state visit was crucial in convincing the Saudi leadership to act.
The family confirmed the news in a statement on social media, thanking President Trump and his administration for their “tireless efforts.” They also expressed hope that the support would extend to other Americans held hostage abroad, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy in similar cases.
This development occurs amid Trump’s efforts to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia, whom he praised for an “incredible” human rights record during the crown prince’s visit. The release of Almadi may signal a pragmatic approach to bilateral relations, balancing diplomatic engagements with addressing human rights concerns.
As Saad Almadi prepares to reunite with his family in the US, his case underscores the complexities of US-Saudi relations and the ongoing challenges faced by dual nationals. It also highlights the power of persistent advocacy and high-level diplomacy in resolving such detainment issues.
