Ibrahim Almadi says U.S. officials helped secure the return of his father, Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a dual U.S.-Saudi national who faced a 16-year sentence in 2022 after posting tweets critical of the Saudi government. Although Saad was released in 2023, he remained under a travel ban in Riyadh until now. The family credited President Trump and the State Department, announced Saad is en route to the United States, and called for continued support for others still detained abroad.
Son Says Trump Administration Helped Secure Release of US-Saudi Dual National Saad Almadi
Ibrahim Almadi says U.S. officials helped secure the return of his father, Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a dual U.S.-Saudi national who faced a 16-year sentence in 2022 after posting tweets critical of the Saudi government. Although Saad was released in 2023, he remained under a travel ban in Riyadh until now. The family credited President Trump and the State Department, announced Saad is en route to the United States, and called for continued support for others still detained abroad.
02:24 PM, 11/20/2025Politics
Ibrahim Almadi says the Trump administration and the U.S. State Department helped secure the return of his father, Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a dual U.S.-Saudi national who was detained in Saudi Arabia after posting tweets critical of the government.
Saad Almadi was sentenced in 2022 to 16 years in prison but was released in 2023 and remained in Riyadh under a travel ban. His son has repeatedly said his father would not be truly free until he was back in the United States.
"They really delivered when it comes to my father's situation," Ibrahim told a television interviewer. He added that his family believes the timing of the release was connected to recent high-level U.S.-Saudi diplomacy and expressed gratitude to U.S. officials.
The family confirmed on social media that Saad Almadi is on his way to the United States and specifically thanked President Donald Trump and the State Department for their efforts. According to Ibrahim, his father was told the release was "a forgiveness from the king and crown prince." Ibrahim said he believes the release would not have happened without the president's involvement.
The announcement coincided with a high-profile U.S.-Saudi investment conference and a state visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The president has publicly sought to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia during his second term and has praised the crown prince's record.
Journalists requested comment from the State Department and the White House regarding the case.
Family statement: The Almadi family thanked supporters for standing by them "during this horrific ordeal" and urged continued attention and support for others who remain detained abroad.