WASHINGTON, D.C. – Marc Fogel, an American schoolteacher detained in Russia since 2021, arrived back in the United States late Tuesday night after the White House negotiated his release, officials announced earlier in the day.
Fogel Arrives Home, Welcomed by President Trump
The White House released a photo of a jubilant Fogel stepping off a plane at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. He was accompanied by White House National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Adam Boehler, a former Trump administration hostage envoy.
Upon arrival, Fogel was taken to the White House, where he was greeted at the North Portico by:
- President Donald Trump
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- House Speaker Mike Johnson
“I feel like the luckiest man on Earth right now,” Fogel said during a press briefing with President Trump, calling the president “a hero” for securing his release.
Details of the Deal Remain Unclear
The White House has not disclosed what the U.S. gave up in the exchange with Russia. President Trump only described the deal as “very fair, very reasonable.” He also hinted that “somebody else is being released tomorrow that you will know of,” without giving further details.
When asked whether he spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the negotiations, Mr. Trump declined to comment.
Background: Fogel’s Arrest and Sentence
Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, was arrested in Moscow in 2021 for carrying 17 grams of medical marijuana to treat chronic back pain. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, and the U.S. officially designated him as “wrongfully detained” in late 2023.
Trump Administration Officials Involved in Negotiations
White House National Security Adviser Michael Waltz praised the deal, stating:
“President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and his advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.”
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, was on the plane with Fogel as he left Russian airspace.
Family and Lawmakers React
Fogel’s Family Expresses Gratitude
In a statement, Fogel’s family expressed relief and gratitude:
“We are beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed that after more than three years of detention, our father, husband, and son, Marc Fogel, is finally coming home. Thanks to the unwavering leadership of President Trump, Marc will soon be back on American soil, free where he belongs.”
Legal Team Praises Trump’s Action
Fogel’s legal representatives, Martin De Luca and Andrew Smith, commended the president:
“Marc Fogel’s release is historic, long overdue, and a testament to the power of strong leadership. After years of bureaucratic inaction, President Trump secured Marc’s release in just a few weeks.”
Pennsylvania Senators Celebrate Fogel’s Return
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA):
“Marc Fogel’s return home is long overdue — and I know all of Pennsylvania, especially his family, will be welcoming him back with open arms.”
Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA):
“I have been working with the administration on this since day one, and I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rubio for delivering on their commitment to free Marc.”
Fogel’s Mother Previously Criticized Biden’s Handling of the Case
Fogel’s mother, Malphine Fogel, had been critical of the Biden administration, particularly for the delay in designating her son as “wrongfully detained”.
She had filed a lawsuit against the State Department in June 2023, but the case was dismissed.
In July 2024, she had planned to appear on stage with Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, to raise awareness about her son’s detention. However, the assassination attempt on Trump that day prevented her from speaking.
“We were going to put it out for the whole world to hear. Well, that didn’t happen,” Malphine Fogel said.
Despite the setback, she later met with President Trump, who promised to secure her son’s release if elected.
Previous U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swaps Omitted Fogel
During the Biden administration, Fogel was excluded from multiple high-profile prisoner exchanges, including:
- December 2022 – Russia released WNBA star Brittney Griner in a 1-for-1 swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout.
- August 2024 – The U.S. negotiated the release of Evan Gershkovich (Wall Street Journal), Paul Whelan (Marine veteran), and Alsu Kurmasheva (Russian-American journalist) in a 24-person exchange.
Fogel’s exclusion from these deals frustrated his family, who urged Biden to do more.
Other Americans still imprisoned in Russia include:
- Musician Michael Travis Leake
- U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black
- Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina
What’s Next?
With Fogel finally back home, attention now turns to who will be released next, as Trump hinted another American’s freedom is imminent.
