Marc Fogel, an American history teacher from Pennsylvania, has been released from Russian detention and is on his way back to the United States, according to an announcement by the Trump administration on Tuesday.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia,” stated National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. He described the release as part of an exchange that symbolizes “good faith” from Russia, potentially paving the way for improved relations and an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Fogel had been arrested in August 2021 at a Moscow airport for possessing what his family claims was medically prescribed marijuana, leading to a 14-year sentence. The U.S. government had designated Fogel as wrongfully detained, highlighting the efforts of President Trump and his team in securing his freedom.
In heartfelt statements, Fogel’s family expressed immense relief and gratitude. “Thanks to the unwavering leadership of President Trump, Marc will soon be back on American soil, free where he belongs,” said his wife, Jane, and sons, Ethan and Sam. They acknowledged the support from friends, legal teams in both countries, and the tireless efforts of those who fought for his release.
Fogel’s U.S. legal representatives from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP praised Trump’s administration for its swift action, contrasting it with previous bureaucratic delays. His Russian legal team from Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev and Partners also voiced hope for better U.S.-Russia relations following this event.
Malphine Fogel, Marc’s mother, shared her emotional response on Fox News, describing the moment she learned of her son’s pending return as a complete surprise. “It was a total surprise when he called,” she said, noting her son was at a Moscow airport preparing to fly back to Washington, D.C.
The release has garnered bipartisan support, with Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and Governor Josh Shapiro both welcoming Fogel’s return. Fetterman commended the efforts of Trump and Witkoff, while Shapiro expressed gratitude to the White House and Fogel’s family for their persistence.
Dan Hoffman, a former CIA station chief, described this as a “major foreign policy success” for the administration, particularly acknowledging Witkoff’s involvement amidst his other diplomatic duties.
Fogel’s return marks a significant personal victory for him and his family after years of hardship, reflecting broader themes of international diplomacy, the challenges faced by Americans abroad, and the potential for positive shifts in U.S.-Russia relations.
