Overview
- In a Semafor interview published Monday, pilot Brad Schlenker called the Trump administration “useless” and faulted the lack of public pressure on his detention.
- The State Department said U.S. officials visit the two men and remain engaged on the case, and the White House said President Trump is concerned about Americans held abroad.
- Guinean forces detained Schlenker and co-pilot Fabio Espinal Nunez during a December refueling stop, first searching for drugs, then charging unauthorized landing and national security violations.
- Authorities later questioned whether the Gulfstream IV was stolen, while the pilots point to radio transcripts and FAA records they say show landing clearance and no ownership red flags.
- The men were released on bail in March and must remain in Conakry, as home-state senators from Illinois and New Jersey say a February letter seeking updates from the State Department drew no reply.