Navy sailor who was jailed in Venezuela took stage at GOP convention, in unusual military presence at political event

September 11, 2026 / 12:48 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — An active-duty Navy sailor who spent nearly a year imprisoned in Venezuela before being freed in a prisoner exchange negotiated by the Trump administration appeared on stage at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention on Thursday.

His appearance at the event, holding a sign before the partisan crowd, raises questions about the military's consistency in enforcing restrictions intended to keep active-duty troops out of politics.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Wilbert Joseph Castañeda, who remained on active duty as of Friday, did not deliver remarks and did not wear his military uniform, instead opting for a black suit and a red tie as he walked on stage with several other individuals. Castañeda held a sign showing how many days he was held in Venezuela.

"Please welcome brave Americans who were taken hostage during the Biden administration and freed last year by President Trump," the announcer said.

Defense Department rules prohibit active-duty service members from participating in partisan political rallies and conventions, regardless of whether or not they are in uniform, but they may attend as spectators, if they are not in uniform. Service members who violate the policy can…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/