President Trump welcomes Josh Holt home
May 27, 2018, 8:53 AM | Updated: 7:21 pm
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A week ago, the thought of Joshua Holt’s release seemed unimaginable, as he plead for help as violence erupted in the Venezuelan prison. But Saturday, he and his wife boarded a plane back to the United States after successful negotiations between both countries.
Green ribbons are now hugging trees in Riverton. A small way Joshua Holt’s neighbors are showing their happiness now that they’ve heard of his return.
Across the country, Holt was welcomed back to the states by the Commander in Chief.
“I just want to welcome you to the Oval Office. Welcome you to the White House. It’s really very special to have you both. You’ve gone through a lot, a lot. More than most people could endure,” said President Donald Trump, at a press conference Saturday evening in Washington D.C. with Holt, his family, and U.S. lawmakers responsible for his release by his side.
Trump said Holt was the 17th prisoner released during his presidency. “You were a tough one. I have to tell you. That was a tough, that was a tough situation,” he said to Holt.
The Oval Office a much different backdrop for Holt than his Venezuelan jail cell. “Not really the great vacation I was looking for, but we’re still together, starting off our marriage rough, but we’re all going to be together. Just so grateful for what you guys have done and for thinking about me and for caring about me. Just a normal person, so it really touches me. Thank you,” said Holt wearing a suit, sitting next to the President.
The Holt family finally back together again. “I also want to say thank you to President Maduro for releasing Josh and letting him come home,” said Holt’s mother Laurie. She thanked President Trump, the State Department, Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Utah lawmakers for this ending after a frightful two years. “The folks in this delegation very sincerely wanted to get Josh out of there and his parents were just as good people as I ever met in my life. You better really live a good life,” said Senator Orrin Hatch to Holt, making all those present in the Oval Office laugh.
Here in Utah, loved ones look forward to giving their long lost neighbor a hug.
