WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday named a health care official to serve as his administration’s lead hostage negotiator at a time when the U.S. is trying to secure the release of prisoners in Gaza and other regions around the world.
Adam Boehler will serve as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Since 2020, that role has been filled by Roger Carstens, who was appointed by Trump and remained in this position throughout the Biden administration.
During that period, the U.S. has brought home several dozen Americans who were held hostage or wrongfully held in countries such as Russia — including WNBA star Brittney Griner and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich — Iran, China, Venezuela and Afghanistan.
Trusted news and daily treats, straight to your inbox
See for yourself: The Yodel is the source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories.
Boehler is the founder and CEO of Rubicon Founders, a healthcare investment firm, and was also the first CEO of the International Development Finance Corporation. In a statement announcing the appointment, Trump described Boehler as the lead negotiator of the Abraham Accords team that sought to gain broader recognition of Israel in the Arab world.
“He has negotiated with some of the toughest people in the world, including the Taliban, but Adam knows that NO ONE is tougher than the United States of America, at least when President Trump is their leader. Adam will work tirelessly to bring our Great American Citizens HOME,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
