National Press Club Statement on President Trump's Oval Office Comments About Austin Tice

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Press Club welcomed President Donald Trump's remarks today in the Oval Office about American journalist Austin Tice — his first public comments about the case since returning to the White House.

Tice, a Marine veteran and freelance journalist, was abducted in Syria in August 2012 while reporting on the frontlines of war. For more than 12 years, his family has lived in agonizing uncertainty — knowing Austin survived his capture but still waiting for the U.S. government to bring him home. This moment of presidential attention matters. It must be the beginning of renewed, relentless action.

The question that prompted today's comments came from a member of the National Press Club, and part of the White House press corps. It was more than a question — it was an act of press freedom in its purest form.

"When one journalist uses their access to power to speak for another who has been silenced, that is what press freedom looks like," said National Press Club President Mike Balsamo. "We are proud that it was one of our own who asked that question. It gave voice to Austin — and to the thousands of others who cannot speak for themselves."

In response, President Trump expressed his continued interest in Austin's case and offered kind words for the Tice family.

"When the President of the United States speaks Austin's name, it sends a message — not just to our government, but to those holding him," Balsamo said. "It tells them the world is still watching. But saying his name is only the beginning. Now we need bold, sustained action to bring Austin home."

For more than a decade, Debra and Marc Tice have led a tireless, dignified campaign to find their son — traveling the world, sitting face-to-face with officials across multiple administrations, and refusing to let Austin's story fade from public view.

"For 4,600 mornings, Debra and Marc Tice have woken up not knowing where their son is," Balsamo said. "They don't need promises. They need to hold him again."

The National Press Club encouraged President Trump and his national security team to take immediate, concrete steps to move Austin's case forward:

• Call Russian President Vladimir Putin and ask him to press Syrian President Bashar al-Assad directly about Austin's whereabouts.
• Deploy a trusted envoy to re-engage the Syrian government and elevate Austin's case in ongoing diplomacy.
• Engage with Iranian officials to request assistance in locating General Bassam Merhaj al-Hassan, believed to be in Iran and thought to have direct knowledge of Austin's fate.
• Contact Assad directly. The Syrian president is believed to know what happened to Austin Tice. A direct conversation could yield answers that years of backchanneling have not.

"This is a moment to show the Tice family they're not alone," Balsamo said. "Austin is a Marine, a journalist, and an American citizen. His family deserves to know their government is fighting just as hard as they are."

The National Press Club has advocated for Austin's release since the earliest days of his captivity and honored him with its highest press freedom award — the John Aubuchon Award — in 2015. The Club continues to work alongside press freedom partners, hostage advocates, and government officials to keep pressure on those with the power to act.

"We're grateful the President spoke Austin's name today," Balsamo said. "But now is the time to act. The world is watching. So is Austin's family."

About the National Press Club: Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has more than 2,500 members representing nearly every major journalism organization. The Club and its Press Freedom Center are leading voices for press freedom matters in the U.S. and worldwide.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534, wmccarren@press.org
Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club

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SOURCE National Press Club