Trump securing wins all over the place. But this may be one of his most impressive.
As Donald Trump makes a heroic move that sent his enemies into hiding.
Marc Fogel Hails Trump As A ‘Hero’ After Being Released From Russian Prison
Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel made his first public remarks Tuesday following his release from a Russian prison, expressing deep gratitude to former President Donald Trump and those involved in securing his freedom.
“I want you to know that I am not a hero in this at all. And President Trump is a hero,” Fogel said after an emotional meeting at the White House with President Trump.
Fogel extended his appreciation to others who played a role in his return home. “These men that came from the diplomatic service are heroes,” he continued. “The senators and representatives that passed legislation in my honor to get me home are the heroes. I am in awe of what they all did.”
Trump welcomed Fogel back to the U.S. on Tuesday night in Washington, hours after his administration successfully brokered a deal to free him. The reunion took place outside the White House, where House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) stood behind the president to greet the elated Fogel.
Fogel had spent three and a half years in a Russian prison after being arrested with what he maintained was legally prescribed medical marijuana.
Earlier in the day, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced that Trump, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and other key advisers had “negotiated an exchange” for Fogel. Waltz characterized the agreement 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.”
Trump described the terms of the deal as “very fair” and “very reasonable,” suggesting that it could play a significant role in negotiations aimed at ending the nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine.
“I think this could be a very important element,” Trump said. Turning to Fogel, he added, “You could be a big part of it, actually, because it could be a big, important part of getting the war over with Ukraine.”
While Trump did not confirm whether he personally spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure Fogel’s release, he expressed gratitude toward the Russian leader. Fogel himself acknowledged Putin’s role, saying the Russian president was “very generous and statesmanlike in granting me a pardon.”
Fogel returned to the U.S. alongside Witkoff, landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C. The White House shared a triumphant image of him draped in an American flag, wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers beanie, and raising his fist in the air. “PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!!!” said a post on X from the White House, celebrating his return.
MARC FOGEL IS BACK!!! 🇺🇸
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 12, 2025
PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!!! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZMceoU0OfA
The specifics of the exchange remain unclear, including whether any Russian prisoners held by the U.S. were released in return for Fogel.
Reflecting on his time in Russian captivity, Fogel revealed the harsh conditions he endured. “There were times when it was extremely trying, and there were times when I could manage it,” he said. He detailed the medical treatment he received, stating that the Russians “had me in hospitals for more than 100 days. I was given more than 400 injections in that time.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on Fox News, criticized the previous administration’s handling of Fogel’s case. “This is a case that languished under the Biden administration,” Rubio said. “They really didn’t give it priority.” Fogel’s exclusion from an August 2024 prisoner swap orchestrated by the Biden administration, which secured the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and corporate security executive Paul Whelan, left his family disheartened. His formal wrongful detention status the following month finally prompted a dedicated push for his freedom.
Russian authorities arrested Fogel in August 2021 at an airport outside Moscow, discovering he had about half an ounce of medical marijuana prescribed in the United States for chronic pain. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian labor camp.
Trump recalled a personal encounter with Fogel’s mother during a July 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pa., where he was almost assassinated. “He’s got a great mother,” Trump stated. “And when I saw his mother at a rally, she said, ‘If you win, will you get my son out?’ And I promised—she’s 95 years old—that we’d get him out. And we got him out pretty quickly.” Trump added, “I had to get him back home because I would have big trouble with his mom.”
The Federalist Wire will keep you updated on any more prisoner release deals made by President Trump.
