Wrongfully detained US teacher, Marc Fogel calls Trump a ‘hero’ during White House meeting after release from Russian prison

Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel expressed his gratitude to President Trump, calling him “a hero” after Trump’s administration facilitated his release from a Russian prison.

“I want you to know that I am not a hero in this at all. And President Trump is a hero,” Fogel said after meeting Trump at the White House.

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“These men that came from the diplomatic service are heroes,” Fogel continued. “The senators and representatives that passed legislation in my honor – they got me home – they are heroes.”

“I am in awe of what they all did.”

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At 78, Trump met Fogel outside the White House on a snowy night in Washington, D.C., soon after his team successfully negotiated Fogel’s release from wrongful detention in Russia.

Among those present to celebrate Fogel’s freedom were House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana, Senator Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania, and Representative Brian Mast from Florida.

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These dignitaries eagerly lined up to shake his hand.

Fogel had been held in Russia for three and a half years following his arrest for possessing what he insisted was legally prescribed marijuana.

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He travelled back to the United States with Witkoff and was welcomed at the White House.

The White House shared a photo capturing Fogel wrapped in an American flag, wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers beanie, and raising his fist as he got off the plane at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C.

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“PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!!!” read an X post by the White House, sharing the image.

It’s unclear which or how many Russians held by the US were being released in exchange for Fogel’s freedom.

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“This is a case that languished under the Biden administration,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said of Fogel’s detention, during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. “They really didn’t give it priority.”

“It is really a happy occasion for all Americans but certainly for Mr. Fogel’s family,” Rubio added.

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