‘Trump Saved My Life’: US Veteran Says He Spent 97 Days in Myanmar Detention

A former US Marine and Afghanistan war veteran who spent 97 days in detention in Myanmar has credited President Donald Trump with securing his release, while accusing the US State Department and American diplomats of failing to provide adequate assistance during his ordeal.

Adam Castillo, an American businessman who had lived in Myanmar for nearly 13 years, said he was detained following a dispute linked to the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, where he had previously served as board president.

“I mean, I owe my life to President Trump, honestly. I mean, if it wasn’t for him, I would not be here today,” Castillo said in an interview following his release.

Castillo said he was detained at Yangon International Airport on June 11 and spent 14 days at a police interrogation facility before being transferred to Insein Prison, where he remained for another 83 days. He stressed that he was neither convicted nor formally sentenced.

According to Castillo, allegations of financial misconduct emerged after he left the chamber’s leadership. He said what began as an internal organisational dispute escalated into a police investigation and eventually required intervention from Washington.

He credited Vice President JD Vance, religious leaders, private advocates and Global Reach, an organisation that supports detained Americans and their families, with helping secure his release.

However, Castillo accused the State Department of failing to intervene decisively despite being aware of his detention. He alleged that meaningful diplomatic efforts began only after the White House became involved.

He said American consular officials visited him four times during his detention, including three visits while he was held in prison, but claimed his family and supporters struggled to obtain meaningful assistance from the embassy.

“The State Department should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.

The allegations could not be independently verified from the information available, and no response from the State Department or the US Embassy in Myanmar was included in the account.

Castillo also discussed conditions at Insein Prison, saying he had observed improvements in sanitation and living facilities and crediting prison authorities and the International Committee of the Red Cross for efforts to improve conditions.

He said he had not personally witnessed mistreatment, abuse or torture during his detention.

Before his arrest, Castillo operated a security business in Myanmar, providing guarding services and preparing reports on developments in the country’s armed conflict.