Trump’s Secret Congo Deal Backfires – How a Risky Mission to Free US Prisoners Went Wrong (Exclusive Reuters Story)
A group of Americans—an Israeli-American businessman, a former diplomat, and a military veteran—flew to Congo in March with a bold plan: convince President Felix Tshisekedi to release three US prisoners in exchange for a Trump-backed deal. But just two days later, they were running for their lives, fearing arrest.
What Went Wrong?
According to a Reuters investigation, the mission quickly fell apart due to:
- A tense meeting with Congo’s security chief
- A late-night gun-shooting session that spooked officials
- A Congolese general who may have held a grudge
The team had hoped to trade mineral rights for US security support, but instead, they barely escaped the country—thanks to a last-minute rescue by the US embassy.
Why Did Trump’s Team Take the Risk?
The three US prisoners were sentenced to death in Congo for a failed coup. The Trump administration wanted them freed—but didn’t want to go through normal diplomatic channels.
“Trump doesn’t play by the old rules,” an expert told Reuters. “He’ll cut deals with anyone if it gets Americans home.”
The Dramatic Escape
After a Congolese general demanded their passports, the team panicked. The US embassy rushed in, and they fled on the next flight to Paris.
“It was like a movie,” one witness told Reuters. “One minute they were trapped, the next they were gone.”
Did the Mission Actually Work?
Surprisingly, yes. Weeks later:
✔ Congo reduced the prisoners’ sentences from death to life in prison.
✔ Trump’s team later brought them back to the US.
✔ A US-brokered peace deal was signed between Congo and Rwanda.
“We got what we wanted,” a Trump official told Reuters. “But it could’ve gone very wrong.”
Final Twist: The Business Angle
The Israeli-American businessman behind the mission, Moti Kahana, has a history of risky rescues—but also eyes business deals in Congo.
“He plays the hero, but he’s also looking for profit,” a teammate admitted to Reuters.
Why This Matters
This story, exclusively reported by Reuters, shows how Trump’s team operates—bypassing normal diplomacy to make high-stakes deals. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it nearly ends in disaster.
Want more explosive details? Read the full Reuters investigation.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/how-us-mission-push-trump-deal-congo-unravelled-2025-07-11