Adam Boehler

Adam Boehler is a prominent figure in healthcare innovation, private-sector leadership, and international diplomacy.

Born on June 23, 1979, into a Jewish family in Albany, New York, Boehler’s early academic achievements set the stage for his future endeavors. He graduated magna cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in finance and minored in French. His formative years also included international experience, such as advocating for fiscal responsibility in South Africa with the Financial and Fiscal Commission.

Boehler’s professional career began in the private sector, where he demonstrated a talent for innovation and investment. His roles spanned major firms like Battery Ventures and Francisco Partners, where he focused on emerging technologies, healthcare, and software investments, including projects in Israel. He founded several successful businesses, including Landmark Health, the largest home-based medical group in the U.S. The organization provided care for over 80,000 chronically ill patients and employed more than 1,000 people across the U.S. and India.

Transitioning to public service, Boehler was appointed Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) under the Department of Health and Human Services. There, he spearheaded reforms to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. He also played a critical role in Operation Warp Speed, contributing to developing COVID-19 vaccines.

In 2019, Boehler became the inaugural CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), a federal agency focusing on global investment and development. Under his leadership, the DFC played a pivotal role in negotiating with the Taliban. He also has a significant role in negotiating the Abraham Accords alongside his former college roommate, Jared Kushner, using financial incentives to encourage Arab nations to join. His work earned him the Department of Defense’s highest civilian honor.

Boehler is actively involved in Jewish and humanitarian causes. He serves on the board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, underscoring his commitment to preserving Jewish history and combating anti-Semitism. His contributions to the Abraham Accords also reflect his dedication to fostering peace and collaboration in the Middle East.

Boehler has consistently argued that the threat of military action must accompany U.S. negotiations to bring home citizens wrongfully detained abroad. In August 2024, he advocated for a stronger U.S. stance in securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, even suggesting the possibility of a military raid to rescue American captives. Additionally, Boehler pointed to the lack of progress in hostage cases due to insufficient consequences imposed by the U.S. on those responsible.

On December 4, 2024, Boehler was nominated U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs by President-elect Donald Trump. Boehler is tasked with navigating complex diplomatic crises. His appointment came amid heightened tensions involving hostages in the Middle East, with Hamas still holding 100 hostages in Gaza, including seven American hostages, with four of them confirmed dead.

In response to his nomination, Boehler expressed his deep commitment to bringing Americans home, emphasizing the importance of taking decisive action and holding those responsible accountable. He used the phrase “Bring Them Home,” widely recognized for its association with efforts to rescue hostages held in Gaza.

In a December 9, 2024, interview with Israeli Channel 12 News, Boehler highlighted the Trump administration’s firm stance on Hamas and strong support for Israel. He cited Trump’s history of decisive action, such as the killing of Iran’s Quds Force leader, Qasem Soleimani, as proof that his warnings are not empty. Boehler criticized the Biden administration for its hesitancy toward Israel, emphasizing that Trump sees the U.S.-Israel relationship as a true partnership without conditions. On expanding the Abraham Accords, Boehler expressed optimism, praising Trump’s diplomatic team as a “rockstar group” focused on solidifying existing agreements and pursuing normalization with Saudi Arabia. He underscored Trump’s results-driven approach, positioning his administration as committed to action and strengthening peace efforts in the Middle East.

In a January 29, 2025, interview with Israeli Channel 12 News, Boehler emphasized that the Trump administration’s priority is securing the release of all hostages. He said that the decision to continue the war rests with Israel. On Saudi-Israel normalization, he expressed optimism and suggested that Saudi Arabia is open to engagement. When asked about the Saudis’ stance on a Palestinian state, he acknowledged their role in any future solution. Regarding Trump’s proposal for Palestinians to relocate from Gaza to Egypt or Jordan, Boehler said alternative solutions should be presented if the plan is rejected, insisting that short and long-term solutions are necessary.

In a February 4, 2025, interview with Israeli Channel 12 News, Boehler emphasized that President Trump is adamant about securing the release of all hostages, stating that their freedom is a critical priority. When pressed on Trump’s threats of what “or else” means, Boehler suggested that Trump’s history of decisively acting against terrorist organizations, such as his recent attack on ISIS, indicates a firm stance. He dismissed the notion that the goal of defeating Hamas contradicts efforts to free hostages, arguing that both objectives align with the broader strategy of combating terrorism.

The following day, Boehler demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov, threatening Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani with complicity if she is not freed. Buehler accused the Iraqi government of making false promises to the previous administration and insisted on immediate action. Iraqi sources denied reports of a proposed exchange involving Hezbollah prisoners held by Israel for the release of Tsurkov. Meanwhile, Israeli hostage affairs coordinator Gal Hirsch met with Boehler in Washington to discuss hostage negotiations in Gaza.

The Trump administration engaged in direct talks with Hamas regarding the release of U.S. hostages held in Gaza and the possibility of a broader deal to end the war. These unprecedented discussions, led by Boehler, occurred in Doha from February through March 2025. While Israel was consulted, it indirectly learned about some aspects of the talks. The discussions have focused on hostage releases, including five Americans, and a potential long-term truce, but no agreement has been reached. Boehler described recent direct talks as “very productive.” He indicated Hamas showed openness to disarmament and stepping away from political power in exchange for a truce. Boehler reassured Israel’s strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, about U.S. intentions, emphasizing America’s strong alliance with Israel. He denied claims that the U.S. prioritizes American hostages over others, stating his mission is to secure the release of all hostages. When questioned about Israeli concerns over U.S. negotiations with Hamas, he acknowledged them. Still, he asserted that the U.S. is “not an agent of Israel,” and that it has “specific interests at play.” Boehler also suggested U.S. support for partnering with Israel against Iran’s nuclear program.

Boehler faced significant critique for his handling of negotiations with Hamas, with concerns raised about his confusion between “hostages” and “prisoners” when referring to Israelis and Palestinians, respectively, and for misnaming a living American hostage. His approach of trying to identify with the “human elements” of Hamas leaders has been questioned, especially given the organization’s violent history and stated intentions. Furthermore, Boehler offered contradictory statements regarding Trump’s approval of his direct talks with Hamas, and he publicly criticized Israel’s past hostage deal terms as too generous while also differentiating between American and Israeli interests. His indifference to Israel’s concerns about these negotiations and his use of phrases like “nice guys” when discussing Hamas have also drawn criticism. Critics note his failure to insist on the immediate release of all hostages and his naive belief that Hamas will ultimately relinquish power and weapons. These actions and statements have led to perceptions of complacency, confusion, and a dangerous naivete in his role.

Republicans on Capitol Hill are privately frustrated and bewildered by Boehler over his controversial media appearances discussing his direct talks with Hamas. His remarks sparked a backlash from GOP lawmakers and pro-Israel Republicans. In response to the uproar, the administration has removed him from the Hamas hostage file. Still, many Republicans believe this is insufficient, with growing calls for him to be sidelined further or removed altogether. Boehler has attempted to address concerns in private conversations with Republican lawmakers, but these efforts have been mainly deemed unproductive. His nomination as ambassador of hostage affairs still requires Senate confirmation, and increasing skepticism among Republicans could jeopardize his chances.

Bashar al-Masri, a Palestinian-American businessman with longstanding ties to Adam Boehler, has emerged as a key advisor to Boehler in peace efforts for Gaza. He has supported Boehler’s diplomatic work by providing a private jet for negotiations with Hamas. Coming from a prominent neutral Palestinian family, Masri has focused on business over politics, turning down offers to join the Palestinian Authority. Known for his involvement in significant development projects like the city of Rawabi, Masri has been a consistent advocate for Palestinian issues. Throughout the Gaza conflict, he has used his platform to call for a ceasefire and stressed the importance of Palestinian responsibility in addressing Gaza’s ongoing suffering.

On March 14, 2025, the Trump administration withdrew Adam Boehler’s nomination as the U.S. hostage affairs envoy, opting instead for him to continue negotiations as a special government employee. This decision allowed Boehler to bypass Senate confirmation and retain his financial interests in his health-care investment firm and other companies he co-manages.

In April 2025, President Trump expanded adviser Adam Boehler’s responsibilities by appointing him as special envoy for hostage response, a temporary role that bypasses Senate confirmation and runs through September 2025. Boehler is expected to coordinate across U.S. agencies to secure the release of American and foreign nationals unjustly detained abroad, particularly those facing humanitarian or national security concerns. Boehler has indicated he may meet Hamas again to help free hostages in Gaza, including American Edan Alexander.

Boehler is married and has four children. His family belongs to a Reform synagogue.

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Gabby Deutch, Trump names Adam Boehler hostage affairs envoy, Jewish Insider, (December 4, 2024).
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Danielle Cohen, “Adam Boehler touts direct negotiations with Hamas, acknowledges Israel’s concerns,” Jewish Insider, (March 9, 2025).
David Horovitz, “Meet Adam Boehler, Trump’s complacent, confused and dangerously naive hostage envoy,” Times of Israel, (March 10, 2025).
Einav Halabi, “The Palestinian-American businessman who serves as secret advisor to Trump administration,” Ynet, (March 11, 2025).
Emily Jacobs, “Senate Republicans say Boehler needs to be sidelined after media blitz,” Jewish Insider, (March 13, 2025).
“Adam Boehler resigns as special envoy to President Trump for hostage affairs,” Ynet, (March 14, 2025).
Missy Ryan, “White House withdraws nomination of hostage affairs envoy,” Washington Post, (March 15, 2025).
Barak Ravid, “Trump appoints Adam Boehler to expanded hostage envoy role after Hamas talks uproar,” Axios, (April 16, 2025).

Photo: U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.