Saad Almadi, a 75-year-classic U.S. Citizen and Florida resident, was released by Saudi Arabian authorities on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following a four-year detention stemming from online criticisms of the Saudi government. His release occurred shortly after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington, D.C., according to statements released by the Almadi family.
Almadi, a retired engineer who has resided in the United States since 1976, was initially detained in Riyadh in late 2021 during a family visit. He was subsequently sentenced to more than 19 years in prison on terrorism-related charges linked to posts made on social media. The charges were later reduced to cyber crimes and Almadi was released from prison in 2023. However, he remained in Saudi Arabia under an exit ban, preventing his return to the U.S., with authorities reportedly threatening another trial and imprisonment.
The Almadi family credited President Trump’s involvement as instrumental in securing his release. “This day would not have been possible without President Donald Trump and the tireless efforts of his administration,” the family stated. They also expressed gratitude to Dr. Sebastian Gorka and the National Security Council team, as well as personnel at the State Department. The family also acknowledged the reporting of The New York Post as contributing to the outcome.
According to sources, Almadi was airborne from Riyadh at 12:15 ET Wednesday, thirteen minutes after President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appeared together at a U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington. The timing of the release coincided with the second day of public events featuring the Saudi Crown Prince during his visit to the U.S. Capital.
President Trump had previously expressed interest in the case when questioned by The Post in May 2025, following a trip to Saudi Arabia. While the precise nature of his intervention was not immediately detailed, the Almadi family’s statement strongly suggests a direct link between Trump’s engagement and the lifting of the exit ban.
The release of Almadi comes as The New York Times was honored Wednesday for its reporting on President Trump, as well as its coverage of abuses faced by domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and conditions within New York prisons. The Polk Awards recognized the newspaper’s investigative work on these distinct but significant issues.
As of Wednesday evening, the Saudi government had not issued a formal statement regarding Almadi’s release, nor had the State Department provided details on the arrangements for his return to the United States. The U.S. Government has not commented on the specific role President Trump played in securing Almadi’s freedom.
