🔴 Website 👉 https://u-s-news.com/
Telegram 👉 https://t.me/usnewscom_channel
OAN Staff Katherine Mosack and Sophia Flores
7:36 PM – Wednesday, February 4, 2026
First Lady Melania Trump welcomed freed American-Israeli hostages Aviva Siegel and Keith Siegel to the White House, where the couple thanked the first lady for her compassion and support in helping secure the release of all captives taken by Hamas.
On Wednesday, Melania sat down with the couple, recalling her first emotional meeting with Aviva, who had been held hostage by the terrorist group for 51 days, at Trump Tower in New York in early January 2024. At the time, Aviva’s husband, Keith, remained in captivity. The moment is featured in her new film, ‘Melania.’
After their January meeting, Melania brought two books that Aviva had given her about her husband, Keith, to her own husband, then-president-elect Donald Trump, and explained the couple’s tragic situation: they had been captured and held together but were separated when Aviva was released in November 2023.
Keith was finally freed on February 1, 2025, after 484 days in captivity, as part of a U.S.- brokered ceasefire and hostage deal organized by the newly instated Trump administration.
“Aviva was a warrior, she is a warrior. She was fighting very hard for Keith,” the first lady, before turning to Keith. “And I know he suffered a lot. I’m happy to see you healthy, at home with your children, with your grandchildren, with your family.”
When invited to speak, Keith began by thanking the president and the first lady for their care and compassion towards his wife.
“I just want to mention the extraordinary mobilization in the fight for Aviva and my and all of the hostages’ freedom, and how it moved me deeply. And it showed us the true meaning of holding onto hope even in the most difficult moments.”
“Now that I have regained my freedom, and I celebrated one year of freedom … this Sunday, I have committed myself to partnering with IsraAID, an Israeli humanitarian aid organization, to help restore hope for others,” he announced. “Giving back is a crucial part of my recovery and rehabilitation process.”
The couple both thanked the first lady for her efforts and support since her Melania’s first encounter with Aviva more than a year ago.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to First Lady Melania Trump. Meeting again today feels profoundly full circle. … I am endlessly grateful for Mrs. Trump’s steadfast support over these painful two years,” said Aviva.
Aviva also revealed she is working on a book recounting her experience with the October 7th attacks and life in captivity, which she is dedicating to her children. She included a special message for the first lady: “I’ll always remember the meeting with you.”
“I was deeply moved to hear from the First Lady about the meetings she held with my wife, Aviva, while I was in captivity, and about the strength and support she gave to the families of the hostages throughout that difficult journey,” Keith said.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below