American teacher Marc Fogel released by Russia, Trump admin says

An American teacher who was detained by Russia is finally heading back to American soil, thanks to the efforts of the Trump administration. The announcement was made by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who stated that President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were able to negotiate an exchange that allowed Marc Fogel to leave Russian airspace and return home.

Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, had been serving a 14-year prison sentence after being arrested at a Russian airport in August 2021 for allegedly being in possession of drugs. However, his family and supporters argued that the substances were medically prescribed marijuana. The U.S. government designated Fogel as wrongfully detained, and after years of advocacy and negotiations, he is finally on his way back home.

The 63-year-old teacher had been teaching at the Anglo-American School in Moscow for nine years leading up to his arrest. His mother, Malphine Fogel, expressed her joy and relief at the news of his imminent return, calling it a “good day” and stating that it was a total surprise when he called her from a Moscow airport, waiting to board a flight to Washington, D.C.

Fogel’s relatives also shared their gratitude and overwhelming emotions at the prospect of his homecoming, describing it as a moment of healing for their family after enduring the darkest and most painful period of their lives. They expressed hope for the future and looked forward to being reunited with their loved one after years of separation.

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz praised President Trump’s leadership in securing the release of Americans detained around the world, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to bringing all American citizens held abroad back to the United States. He commended the efforts of Steve Witkoff in negotiating Fogel’s release, calling it a major foreign policy success and highlighting the administration’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of American citizens.

Fogel’s release comes after he was left out of a prisoner swap in August 2024 that freed multiple Americans, including a Wall Street Journal reporter and a corporate security executive. Despite this setback, the relentless advocacy and diplomatic efforts on behalf of Fogel finally paid off, allowing him to return home and be reunited with his family and loved ones.

As Fogel prepares to set foot on American soil once again, the nation celebrates his safe return and looks forward to a brighter future for him and his family. The long-awaited reunion serves as a testament to the power of diplomacy, advocacy, and perseverance in ensuring the safe return of American citizens detained abroad.