American Teacher Marc Fogel Returns Home After Detention in Russia
Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia since 2021, has returned to the U.S. after negotiations secured his release. Fogel expressed gratitude towards President Trump and those who aided his return.
Marc Fogel, an American history teacher who was detained in Russia since 2021, has safely arrived back in the U.S. following his release. Fogel was working at the Anglo-American School in Moscow when he was arrested in August 2021 for possession of drugs, which his family claims was medically prescribed marijuana. He was serving a 14-year sentence.
On Tuesday, Fogel was greeted with a photo posted by the White House, where he was seen smiling and raising his fist while wrapped in an American flag as he stepped off the plane on U.S. soil.
His mother expressed gratitude towards President Donald Trump for his promise of assistance, stating, 'He kept his promise.'
The White House celebrated Fogel's return with the message, 'MARC FOGEL IS BACK!!! PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!!!'
After arriving in the U.S., Fogel met with Trump at the White House and referred to him as a hero for securing his release. He stated, 'I want you to know that I am not a hero in this at all. And President Trump is a hero.'
Fogel praised various individuals who contributed to his release, including those from the diplomatic service and legislators who passed supportive legislation, calling them heroes as well.
Fogel expressed his astonishment and gratitude, stating, 'I am in awe of what they all did,' and described his feelings by saying he feels 'like the luckiest man on Earth right now.'
Trump's national security advisor, Michael Waltz, mentioned that the U.S. and Russia negotiated an exchange to facilitate Fogel's release, although specifics were not disclosed.
When asked about what the U.S. offered in return for Fogel, Trump remarked that they gave up 'not much.'
Fogel's family released a statement expressing their overwhelming relief and gratitude, stating, '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.'
The family described the experience as the darkest and most painful period of their lives, but they now look forward to healing.
