U.S. News
Trump Admin Ensures Marc Fogel’s Release from Russia
Clear Facts
- The Trump administration successfully negotiated the release of American teacher Marc Fogel from a Russian penal colony.
- Fogel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for possessing medical marijuana prescribed by an American doctor.
- Fogel’s release was facilitated by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and he was flown out of Russia on Witkoff’s private jet.
In a significant diplomatic achievement, the Trump administration has managed to secure the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been imprisoned in Russia. Fogel, who was 63 at the time of his sentencing, faced a daunting 14-year prison term for possessing medical marijuana, which had been prescribed to him following several surgeries.
Fogel had dedicated 27 years to teaching overseas and was on the verge of retirement when he was arrested.
The successful negotiation for Fogel’s release was led by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East. Fogel’s journey back home was facilitated by a flight on Witkoff’s private jet. However, the specifics of what the United States might have offered Russia in exchange for Fogel’s release remain undisclosed.
The Fogel family received the first signs of hope when they were informed of his transfer from the Rybinsk penal colony to SIZO in the Yaroslavl region. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz highlighted the broader implications of this diplomatic success.
“President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the president’s advisers 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,” Waltz stated.
Fogel’s family has been relentless in their efforts to secure his freedom over the past four years. His 95-year-old mother, Malphine, played a crucial role in advocating for her son. She had the opportunity to meet with Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he assured her of his commitment to her son’s case.
“When I met President Trump, he told me to take his arm because he could see I struggle with walking after I broke my kneecap,” Malphine shared.
“He was very cordial and interested in my son’s situation. I just kept telling him he needs to remember Marc’s name.”
Malphine was also scheduled to appear on stage with Trump, but the event took a dramatic turn when shots were fired at Trump, with Fogel standing nearby. Despite the chaos, Malphine recalled Trump’s repeated assurances to secure her son’s release.
Fogel’s case also garnered the support of influential figures, including Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA). During a confirmation hearing, McCormick emphasized the importance of Fogel’s release for improving U.S.-Russia relations.
“This is a case that has to be elevated and hopefully one that can be done through strong private diplomacy at a minimum as a goodwill gesture because if they are not willing to do this… then I think the chances of improvement in U.S.-Russia relations are impossible,” McCormick remarked.
Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, noting that Fogel’s arrest seemed to be part of a broader strategy by Russia to detain Americans for potential future exchanges. According to Vicki Iseman, spokesperson for Free Marc Fogel, cases like his are often dismissed in Russia before reaching trial, highlighting the exceptional nature of his prolonged detention.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
