Trump and Ursula von der Leyen Highlight Global Crisis of Missing Children
Washington, D.C., August 19, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have placed the spotlight on one of the world’s most heartbreaking and underreported crises — the global epidemic of missing children.
In recent discussions, both leaders emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation to address the alarming rise in cases of children disappearing across borders. “This is a massive worldwide problem, and the world must work together to solve it,” President Trump said, adding that his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, has also made the issue a personal priority.
Von der Leyen echoed the sentiment, describing missing children as a humanitarian concern that transcends politics. “Every child deserves safety, and every family deserves answers. It is our collective responsibility to act,” she said.
The leaders discussed potential strategies, including strengthening cross-border investigative networks, improving child protection systems, and expanding technological tools for locating missing minors. Both sides also highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns and the role of civil society in ensuring that no missing child is forgotten.
Advocates welcomed the move, saying high-level attention could accelerate global cooperation. Organizations estimate that hundreds of thousands of children are reported missing worldwide each year, with many falling victim to trafficking, exploitation, or conflict-related displacement.
By elevating the issue to the global stage, Trump and von der Leyen hope to build momentum for a coordinated international response. “Our goal is simple,” Trump stated, “to bring children back home to their families.”
The White House confirmed that follow-up meetings with European officials and international child protection agencies are already being planned to turn these discussions into concrete action.
