Anna Corbett seeking alternative avenues led her to Palm Beach for discussions with Donald Trump. The stark contrast between Biden’s pessimistic outlook and Trump’s team’s positive response has ignited a new spark of hope for the Corbett family. How might the change in administration affect the US approach to hostage negotiations?
Biden’s Call Dashes Hopes for Immediate Release
President Joe Biden’s recent 30-minute phone call with Anna Corbett delivered a devastating blow to the family’s hopes for Ryan Corbett’s imminent release. The conversation, their first direct communication since Ryan’s capture by the Taliban in August 2022, left Anna feeling disappointed and frustrated.
Anna Corbett expressed her dismay, stating, “He gave us about 30 minutes, I would say, on the call, and he was very gracious, but basically said he is not bringing Ryan home, and that was very disappointing to hear that we come this far.” This revelation comes after 885 days of Ryan’s wrongful detainment and Anna’s 16 trips to Washington D.C. to advocate for her husband’s release.
🚨SCOOP🚨
Anna Corbett, the wife of Ryan Corbett, an American being held hostage by the Taliban, said that she doesn’t believe President Joe Biden will bring her husband home in his final days in office, she shared in an interview with the Daily Caller. pic.twitter.com/G0FXq1EX1f
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 13, 2025
Trump Team Offers Glimmer of Hope
Following the disheartening conversation with President Biden, Anna Corbett took matters into her own hands by traveling to Palm Beach to meet with President-elect Donald Trump. The visit proved to be a more positive experience for the desperate wife and mother.
Trump’s team, who had been briefed on the hostage situation, reportedly engaged in constructive discussions with Anna. This interaction has rekindled hope for the Corbett family, suggesting that the incoming administration may prioritize efforts to secure Ryan’s release.
@realDonaldTrump, we hope you see this. Anna and Ketsia are waiting to meet you. Please help us bring Ryan home!! #freeryancorbett pic.twitter.com/RmjZVdNhqG
— Free Ryan Corbett (@freeryancorbett) January 11, 2025
Ongoing Struggle for American Hostages
Ryan Corbett, originally from upstate New York, was captured by the Taliban in August 2022 while renewing his business visa in Afghanistan. His situation is part of a larger issue involving two other American hostages held by the Taliban.
The Biden administration has been in discussions with the Taliban regarding the release of these individuals, but no deal has been reached. Anna Corbett maintains communication with Ryan through regular phone calls facilitated by the current administration and Qatari officials, but the family’s ordeal continues.
As the Corbett family faces this ongoing struggle, Anna poignantly remarked, “We feel this big gap without Ryan in our family, and it’s not getting any easier.” The case highlights the complex challenges in negotiating with non-state actors and the personal toll on families caught in international disputes.
