Freed missionary pilot Kevin Rideout and President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of White House on Aug. 21, 2026. @realDonaldTrump via Truth Social
President Donald Trump welcomed American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout to the White House on Aug. 21 following his release this month after being kidnapped in Niger last year.
Rideout, a pilot with Christian missionary organization Serving In Mission, or SIM International, was abducted by three unknown men outside his home in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21, 2025.
He was
released
and transferred to U.S. custody on Aug. 14 and returned safely to the United States.
Trump said in a Truth Social post that he invited Rideout, his wife, and children to the White House to meet with the hostage recovery team.
The president said Rideout’s release underscored his administration’s commitment to its promise that it will “never leave Americans behind.”
“Today we brought another American home! Kevin Rideout, a brave Christian missionary, was held hostage by ISIS Jihadists for ten months,” he said. “Welcome back home Kevin — It was an Honor to help you!”
Rideout is the 110th American captive freed since the start of Trump’s second administration in January 2025, according to a previous post by the president.
This story will be updated with additional details.
