Trump Says There Was NO DEAL Made With Turkey For The Release Of Pastor Andrew Brunson

GREAT news. Pastor Andrew Brunson, who’s been jailed in Turkey for the last two years, has been released.

The Turkish judge’s ruling ended a tense diplomatic standoff between the U.S. and Turkey that began after Brunson’s October 2016 detention on terror and treason charges. Turkey targeted the 50-year-old pastor as part of a massive government crackdown following a failed coup months earlier. Brunson was officially sentenced to three years and one month in prison for the conviction; but, because he had already served two years in detention, he wasn’t required to spend any more time behind bars.

“This is the day our family has been praying for – I am delighted to be on my way home to the United States,” Brunson said in a statement provided by the American Center for Law and Justice, which had been working to secure his freedom.

PASTOR BRUNSON JUST RELEASED. WILL BE HOME SOON!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Brunson, and we hope to have him safely back home soon!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2018

Pastor Andrew Brunson is coming home! Thanks to the strong leadership of @POTUS Trump and the steadfast prayers of millions of Americans, this innocent man of faith will soon be home!

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 12, 2018

We thank God for answered prayers and commend the efforts of @SecPompeo & @StateDept in supporting Pastor Brunson and his family during this difficult time. @SecondLady and I look forward to welcoming Pastor Brunson and his courageous wife Norine back to the USA! 🇺🇸

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 12, 2018

.@POTUS: "I'm really proud to report that earlier today we secured the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkey." https://t.co/pRnzGfDt2d pic.twitter.com/KUFLuub8yN

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 13, 2018

Brunson is expected to meet with Trump today.

Pastor Andrew Brunson, released by Turkey, will be with me in the Oval Office at 2:30 P.M. (this afternoon). It will be wonderful to see and meet him. He is a great Christian who has been through such a tough experience. I would like to thank President @RT_Erdogan for his help!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 13, 2018

But there’s one more thing Trump wants America to know: He did not make a “hostage deal” with Turkey.

There was NO DEAL made with Turkey for the release and return of Pastor Andrew Brunson. I don’t make deals for hostages. There was, however, great appreciation on behalf of the United States, which will lead to good, perhaps great, relations between the United States & Turkey!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 13, 2018

Good to know!

I’m so happy for Brunson and his family.