Here’s what Trump had to say.
President Donald Trump is celebrating an unexpected hero whose quick thinking helped protect passengers during a frightening emergency aboard an international flight bound for Israel.
Israeli plumber Yaniv Hayoun has received widespread attention after stepping forward during a dangerous incident aboard a Flydubai passenger jet.
Now, his actions have earned praise from the president of the United States.
Trump shared a video on Truth Social applauding Hayoun’s courage and joking that the Israeli tradesman had impressed him so much that he could even become his plumber.
“He’s an Israeli plumber. And he’s a Trump fan and I’m a fan of his — a big fan,” Trump said.
“He saved that flight yesterday. He did an amazing job.”
Trump later added: “He’s my kind of guy. He can be my plumber. He can be whatever he wants to be. What a job he did — he’s a hero.”
The remarkable story combines aviation safety, international security, U.S.-Israel relations and the actions of an ordinary working man who found himself facing an extraordinary situation.
Trump Praises Israeli Plumber After Midair Emergency
Hayoun was traveling aboard a Flydubai flight headed toward Tel Aviv when an emergency reportedly developed inside the cockpit.
Authorities said the co-pilot attacked the captain, creating a potentially dangerous situation for everyone aboard the aircraft.
As passengers became aware of what was happening, Hayoun and others reportedly helped intervene.
Instead of remaining on the sidelines, the Israeli plumber became directly involved in efforts to bring the situation under control.
His response has since earned him praise from political leaders and members of the public.
For Trump, Hayoun’s blue-collar background appeared to make the story even more memorable.
The president repeatedly described him as a hero and expressed admiration for the plumber’s willingness to act under pressure.
WATCH:
(ZERO) Coverage on
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) October 3, 2026
CNN – NBC – ABC – CBS – OR FOX NEWS
Of Trumps TikTok message to the Israeli hero who stormed the cockpit of that flydubai
" I just wanted to thank and congratulate Yaniv Hayoun, he's an Israeli plumber and he's a Trump fan, I'm a big fan of his "
HERO pic.twitter.com/iyHcWZSLfe
An Ordinary Worker Steps Into an Extraordinary Situation
Hayoun’s story has attracted attention partly because he was not a professional pilot, government official or security specialist.
He was simply a passenger traveling on an international flight.
Yet when a serious emergency unfolded, he reportedly helped other passengers and crew members respond.
Stories involving ordinary citizens showing courage during unexpected emergencies often resonate with Americans because they highlight personal responsibility, bravery and the willingness to help others.
Hayoun’s actions appear to represent all three.
The Israeli plumber reportedly helped restrain the suspect and became involved in efforts to stabilize the aircraft while other individuals aboard the flight worked to restore control.
The plane ultimately continued safely after the crisis was contained.
Television Program May Have Helped Prepare Him
One of the most surprising parts of Hayoun’s story involves where he says he learned some of the information that helped him during the emergency.
Hayoun said he had watched the Smithsonian Channel program “Air Disasters,” a television series examining aviation accidents and emergency situations.
Information that may once have seemed like casual television viewing suddenly became highly relevant.
Hayoun reportedly remembered details about aircraft operations while the situation aboard the Flydubai flight was unfolding.
It is an extraordinary reminder that useful knowledge can sometimes come from unexpected places.
Most viewers watching an aviation documentary never expect they might one day need that information themselves.
Hayoun apparently did.
Trump Records Special Oval Office Message
The story eventually reached President Trump, who decided to personally recognize Hayoun.
In a video recorded from the Oval Office and shared on Truth Social, Trump praised the Israeli passenger while discussing the dramatic events aboard the flight.
Trump appeared particularly amused when he learned that Hayoun was one of his supporters.
The president responded by saying he was now a fan of Hayoun as well.
Trump’s reaction transformed an already remarkable aviation story into an international political moment.
The president’s video also featured footage involving U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who met personally with Hayoun following the incident.
Mike Huckabee Presents Signed MAGA Hat
During their meeting, Huckabee presented Hayoun with a red Make America Great Again hat signed by Trump.
The gift became a symbolic moment connecting the Israeli hero directly with the American president.
Huckabee thanked Hayoun for helping protect the people aboard the aircraft.
“Thank you for saving the lives of 170 people,” Huckabee told him during the meeting.
Hayoun appeared grateful for the recognition.
The meeting also highlighted the close relationship between the United States and Israel, something Trump has frequently emphasized throughout his political career.
For many conservative voters, Trump’s strong public support for Israel has remained an important part of his foreign policy agenda.
Hayoun used the opportunity to express his own appreciation for Trump.
Hayoun Thanks Trump For Supporting Israel
Speaking in Hebrew during his meeting with Huckabee, Hayoun discussed what he described as the “little miracles” that allowed passengers and crew members to respond successfully during the emergency.
He also delivered a personal message of appreciation to Trump.
Hayoun said he believed Trump deserved more recognition for his support of Israel.
He thanked the president and expressed appreciation for what Trump and the United States have done for the country.
The comments added another dimension to a story that had already captured international attention.
What began as a frightening aviation emergency ultimately became a story involving heroism, international friendship and presidential recognition.
Blue-Collar Hero Receives Worldwide Attention
Hayoun’s background has become an important part of the story.
He is not a celebrity.
He is not a politician.
He is not a member of the military.
He is a plumber who happened to be aboard an aircraft when something went terribly wrong.
His willingness to act has now turned him into an international figure.
For older Americans in particular, the story may bring to mind a traditional idea of heroism — ordinary people accepting responsibility when circumstances demand it.
There was no time for lengthy discussions or official instructions.
Hayoun and the others involved had to respond quickly.
Their actions helped prevent a dangerous situation from becoming something far worse.
Trump Calls Hayoun “My Kind Of Guy”
Trump’s reaction was unmistakably enthusiastic.
The president did not simply issue a formal statement congratulating Hayoun.
Instead, he spoke about him in personal terms.
“He’s my kind of guy,” Trump said.
That remark may explain why the story has resonated among many Trump supporters.
Hayoun represents the kind of working-class individual Trump has frequently highlighted throughout his political career — someone outside the political establishment who steps forward when circumstances demand action.
The president even joked that Hayoun could become his plumber.
It was a lighthearted comment following an otherwise serious incident.
A Story About Courage Under Pressure
The incident also provides a broader reminder about how quickly everyday life can change.
Passengers boarded the Flydubai flight expecting an ordinary trip.
Within a short period of time, some reportedly found themselves helping respond to an emergency involving the cockpit and the safety of the aircraft.
Hayoun could have remained in his seat.
Instead, he acted.
That choice is ultimately what transformed an Israeli plumber into someone being praised from the Oval Office.
Political beliefs aside, stories of ordinary people protecting others during emergencies have long held a special place in American culture.
They reinforce a simple idea: courage is often revealed when people are confronted with circumstances they never expected.
Trump’s Tribute Highlights An Unlikely Hero
President Trump’s public tribute has now ensured that millions more people will hear Hayoun’s name.
A man who normally works with pipes and plumbing equipment suddenly found himself being praised by the leader of the United States.
He also received a personally signed MAGA hat and recognition from America’s ambassador to Israel.
Few people could have predicted that outcome when the flight originally departed.
But extraordinary events sometimes produce unexpected heroes.
Hayoun appears to be one of them.
His actions have earned praise in Israel and the United States, while Trump’s personal message has helped bring even more attention to the remarkable story.
For many Americans watching the video, the most important part of the story may be simple.
When people aboard the aircraft needed help, an ordinary working man stepped forward.
And President Trump made sure the world heard about it.
