First lady Melania Trump met with freed American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva, at the White House on Wednesday, marking an emotional reunion that underscored the Trump administration's role in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Melania Trump's private meeting with the Siegels came full circle after her earlier sit-down with Aviva Siegel in January 2025 helped elevate Keith Siegel's plight directly to President Donald Trump.
That meeting, the first lady said, became an impetus for the diplomatic push that ultimately led to Siegel's freedom after 484 days in Hamas captivity.
"That first meeting with Aviva Siegel served as a catalyst to the events leading up to Keith's freedom," Melania Trump said. "It was clear that day that Aviva Siegel's human spirit would move mountains to rescue her husband."
During Wednesday's White House appearance, shown live on Newsmax, Melania Trump described how Aviva had given her handmade children's books documenting her husband's ordeal and the brutal Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
The first lady said she shared the books and the story with President Trump that same evening, emphasizing the urgency of bringing the hostages home.
Keith Siegel, a 65-year-old American-Israeli who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, thanked both the first lady and the president for their efforts.
"I am eternally grateful to you and President Trump for bringing me home, and for bringing all of the hostages back to their families," Siegel said.
He credited Melania Trump's compassion and advocacy for sustaining his wife during the darkest days of captivity.
Aviva Siegel echoed that gratitude, saying the meeting felt "profoundly full circle."
She praised Melania Trump for giving her hope when little information was available about her husband's condition.
"You helped to bring him home and you helped to bring the hostages home," Aviva said, adding that she is now writing a book to document the experience for future generations.
Siegel, who endured physical abuse, starvation and constant fear while held by Hamas, was released Feb. 1, 2025. He has since committed himself to humanitarian work with IsraAID, an Israeli aid organization.
He told reporters that giving back is a key part of his recovery and a way to honor those still suffering around the world.
Siegel has repeatedly credited President Trump's leadership for enforcing the ceasefire agreement that secured his freedom.
In a video message released last February, Siegel said Trump was "the reason I am home alive."
Wednesday's meeting highlighted the Trump administration's continued focus on confronting terrorism, standing with Israel, and prioritizing the return of American hostages — a message the first lady said reflects both compassion and strength in U.S. leadership.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.