Key Facts

• Wilbert Joseph Castañeda is an active-duty Navy sailor who was held prisoner in Venezuela for almost a year.
• He was freed through a prisoner exchange negotiated by President Donald Trump's administration.
• Castañeda appeared on stage at the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas on September 10, 2026.
• He did not wear his military uniform but wore a black suit and red tie and held a sign showing the number of days he was detained.
• Defense rules prohibit active-duty military personnel from participating in partisan political events but allow attendance as spectators if not in uniform.
• It is unclear whether Navy officials knew about or approved Castañeda’s participation on stage.
• Castañeda is no longer authorized to wear the Navy SEAL Trident due to performance issues and has had a rank reduction.
• The Republican convention was a political event to promote candidates and rally voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.