Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

For over a decade, Debra Tice has been searching for her son, Austin Tice, a Marine veteran and journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. Despite going through four presidential administrations, she remains hopeful that her son will return safely. In her view, the new Trump administration brings a much-needed change of pace.

Tice stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that they are considering their next steps, offering suggestions, and being prepared, with ideas in mind. He emphasized that the responsibility is not solely on him as it has been in the past, referring to the Trump administration.

After more than a decade, Debra Tice, the mother of a Marine veteran, makes her first trip back to Damascus, Syria, during a time of revolution within the war-torn country. In her brief time in Syria, Debra has already met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader who led the group that overthrew Bashar al-Assad.

Tice was surprised that we got a meeting with al-Sharaa, but it turned out to be a very good one.

Hostage Aid Worldwide facilitated Tice's entry into some of the abandoned prisons in Syria during her visit. She found the conditions in these prisons to be challenging but insightful in understanding the difficulties faced by Austin.

Tice invited US government officials to visit the prisons in Austin to see the conditions for themselves.

"If they had visited the place where Austin was imprisoned, they might have been more motivated to free him."

Tice commended the incoming Trump administration during a Monday press conference and disclosed that they had already contacted them about Austin's case.

Tice stated that although he hasn't encountered such assistance in the past four years, he is hopeful about their support and participation. He believes they will act promptly.

During the press conference, Tice conveyed an emotional message to her son who was absent.

Tice said, "If you can hear me, Austin, I love you. I know you won't give up, and I won't either."

Tice believes that Austin will eventually be released, as it is only a matter of time, and in her faith, it is God's timing.

Tice attributed her hope and optimism about finding her son entirely to her faith. She stated that if she didn't have faith, she believed she would fall apart into numerous small fragments.

The State Department is still working to locate Austin Tice and is waiting for confirmation that conditions are safe for US officials to visit Damascus to aid in the search.

The spokesperson stated that relevant information and declassified intelligence have been used to inform the search efforts of Syrian and international partners on the ground in Damascus who are searching for Austin every day.

"Numerous now-uncovered secret prisons have been visited and searched by them, but they have not found Austin or any additional information that would help us locate him."

Despite receiving a letter from Debra Tice, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet asked Assad for help in finding Austin.