Detained U.S. Air Force veteran Joseph St. Clair is finally home after being imprisoned in a Venezuelan prison, thanks to President Trump’s special envoy Ric Grenell’s skillful diplomatic negotiations with Venezuelan officials.
Key Takeaways
- Joseph St. Clair, a four-tour Afghanistan War veteran receiving PTSD treatment, was wrongfully detained in Venezuela since November 2024
- His freedom was secured through negotiations led by Trump’s special envoy Richard Grenell, who met with Venezuelan officials in a neutral country
- St. Clair is the seventh American released from Venezuela under the Trump administration this year, following six others freed on January 31, 2025
- The diplomatic breakthrough comes as the Trump administration pursues an “America First” strategy in foreign policy, having freed at least 37 Americans from hostage situations worldwide
- The release occurs amid a complex diplomatic landscape that includes Venezuela’s contested 2024 election and recent immigration policy changes affecting Venezuelans in the U.S.
A Veteran’s Ordeal Comes to an End
Joseph St. Clair, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served four tours in Afghanistan, has been freed from Venezuelan detention after being held since November 2024. St. Clair had gone missing while receiving treatment for PTSD in Colombia before being captured by forces loyal to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. His parents, Scott and Patti St. Clair, announced his release with overwhelming emotion and gratitude toward President Trump’s administration for their successful efforts to bring their son home.
“This news came suddenly, and we are still processing it—but we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” said Scott and Patti St. Clair in a statement.
Trump Administration’s Diplomatic Success
The release was spearheaded by Richard Grenell, a special presidential envoy for President Trump, who engaged in direct negotiations with Venezuelan officials. Grenell confirmed the successful mission on social media, stating plainly: “Joe St. Clair is back in America.” The veteran’s freedom marks a significant diplomatic achievement for the Trump administration, which has prioritized securing the release of Americans wrongfully detained overseas as a cornerstone of its foreign policy agenda.
“I met Venezuelan officials in a neutral country today to negotiate an America First strategy. This is only possible because Donald Trump puts Americans first,” said Richard Grenell, Special Presidential Envoy.
The St. Clair family specifically acknowledged President Trump, Ambassador Grenell, Adam Boehler, and Sebastian Gorka for their instrumental roles in securing Joseph’s release. Following standard protocol for these sensitive diplomatic operations, detailed information about the negotiations and terms has not been publicly disclosed. The family has requested privacy during this reunion period but made a point to express solidarity with families of other Americans still detained abroad.
Great to see the USAF veteran and fellow Texan coming home
Trump Envoy Grenell Gets US Veteran Released From Venezuela https://t.co/lFRCYNVDe9
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 20, 2025
Growing List of Freed Americans
St. Clair became the seventh American freed from Venezuelan detention just this year, following the release of six others on January 31, 2025. His liberation adds to the impressive record of the Trump administration, which has now secured the freedom of at least 37 Americans previously held hostage in six different countries. The success rate underscores the administration’s commitment to putting American citizens’ safety first in its approach to international relations.
“We remain in prayer and solidarity with the families of those who are still being held,” said the St. Clairs in their statement.
The diplomatic achievement comes amid a complex relationship with Venezuela. The U.S. government maintains that Maduro stole Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election, creating tension in bilateral relations. Recently, a Venezuelan girl who had been separated from her deported parents was returned to Caracas, a move that earned President Trump praise from Venezuelan officials. Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with ending temporary protected status for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, though this decision remains subject to appeal.
St. Clair’s father first learned about his son’s detention in February when the Colombian consulate informed him that Joseph was being held by Maduro’s regime. This news began the months-long ordeal that has finally concluded with Joseph’s return to American soil, marking another successful chapter in President Trump’s commitment to bringing Americans home regardless of the diplomatic challenges involved.
