Trump: ‘We’ll never stop looking’ for American journalist kidnapped in Syria, Austin Tice
President Donald Trump reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to finding Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012. Tice, a former Marine Corps captain and student at Georgetown University Law Center, was working as a freelance journalist for McClatchy, The Washington Post, and other media outlets in Syria when he was abducted by jihadist militants near Damascus.
Despite the lack of concrete leads in Tice’s case, President Trump stated that the search for him would continue. “Until we find out something definitive, one way or the other, we’ll never stop looking,” Trump told reporters. The president’s remarks came after Tice’s mother, Debra, revealed that they had received credible information indicating that her son was still alive.
In response to recent developments in Syria, where rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad’s regime, the FBI renewed its efforts to locate Tice. The agency issued a statement calling for any information that could lead to Tice’s safe return. The FBI emphasized its commitment to bringing Tice home and reiterated a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his release.
Both the Trump and Biden administrations have been actively involved in advocating for Tice’s release. President Biden previously urged the Syrian government to free Tice and asserted that the U.S. had evidence of his captivity. However, Syria has denied detaining Tice, complicating efforts to secure his release.
The case of Austin Tice is part of a larger issue of American nationals being held captive in various countries. According to the Foley Foundation, named after journalist James Foley who was kidnapped and killed by ISIS in Syria, there were 46 American hostages in captivity across 16 countries in 2024. Recent efforts by the Trump administration have led to the release of some hostages, reducing the number to the low 30s.
As the search for Austin Tice continues, the U.S. government remains committed to bringing him home safely. The story of Tice’s disappearance serves as a reminder of the risks journalists face in conflict zones and the ongoing efforts to ensure their safety.
