Trump Brings Americans Home

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the Trump administration announced on Tuesday that Marc Fogel, an American schoolteacher wrongfully detained in Russia since 2021, has been released. This victory comes after rigorous negotiations led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, who successfully secured Fogel’s freedom through a strategic exchange with Russian authorities. Although details of the exchange remain confidential, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that Fogel was en route to the United States, signaling a major success for U.S. foreign policy under President Trump.

Waltz emphasized that this release symbolizes a critical step toward ending the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. He framed it as part of a broader diplomatic effort that is helping to stabilize relations with Russia while also demonstrating American strength and resolve. “This is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction,” Waltz said, pointing to the successful return of Fogel as an example of how President Trump has been working tirelessly to secure the freedom of Americans detained abroad.

Since taking office, President Trump has consistently championed the cause of Americans held in foreign nations, making their safe return a top priority. This latest development is a testament to his unwavering leadership and commitment to bringing every American home, no matter where they are in the world. President Trump’s administration has led the way in negotiating the release of Americans detained by hostile regimes, sending a strong message to adversaries that America does not abandon its own.

Marc Fogel was initially arrested in Russia in August 2021, after being accused of attempting to bring 17 grams of medical marijuana into the country—an offense that led to a 14-year sentence in a Russian penal colony. Despite efforts from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to elevate his case, Fogel’s release did not occur in time for the large-scale prisoner swap that took place in Turkey in 2024.

Now, after more than three years of wrongful detention, Fogel’s family—his wife, Jane, and sons, Ethan and Sam—expressed their immense relief in a statement, calling his return “a miracle” after an agonizing wait. Their heartfelt gratitude highlights the power of President Trump’s leadership in bringing their loved one back to American soil. Thanks to the president’s tireless diplomacy, Marc Fogel is finally coming home to the embrace of his family.