After more than three years in a Russian prison, American citizen Marc Fogel is finally coming home. His release marks yet another bold action by President Donald Trump, who personally assured Fogel’s mother, Malphine, that her son would not be forgotten.
“He told me three times, ‘If I get in, I’ll get him out,’ and he kept his promise,” Malphine Fogel told America Reports on Tuesday. “I can’t thank him enough.”
A Desperate Plea Answered
Marc Fogel, a longtime educator, was arrested in August 2021 at a Moscow airport for possessing what his family insists was legally prescribed medical marijuana. Russian authorities sentenced him to an alarming 14 years—a punishment far exceeding those given to violent criminals. The ordeal left his loved ones in anguish, but Malphine refused to give up.
During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024, she met with then-candidate Trump, pleading with him not to let Marc’s name be forgotten. The former president didn’t just listen—he acted.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and a Surprise Call
Behind the scenes, Trump worked with key figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to negotiate Fogel’s release. Their efforts culminated in a breakthrough this week, as Russia agreed to release the imprisoned teacher.
Malphine recalled the moment she learned the news. “It was a total surprise when he called from the Moscow airport. I hadn’t heard from him in a week, and then suddenly—there he was. I couldn’t believe it.”
A Joyful Homecoming
Fogel is now en route to U.S. soil, where his family eagerly awaits his return. “He’s going to be sore from all the hugs,” his mother joked. “The first thing he’ll do is stoop down and kiss the ground.”
Trump’s intervention has reignited conversations about the treatment of Americans detained abroad. His decisive action, Malphine believes, made all the difference.
“He kept his word, and that means everything to me,” she said.
The Bigger Picture
While the Biden administration struggled to secure Fogel’s release, Trump’s direct involvement delivered results. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, with relations still precarious. The Kremlin has yet to comment on Trump’s role in the negotiations.
For now, however, one American family is simply celebrating. “We just want him home,” Malphine said. “And thanks to President Trump, that’s finally happening.”
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Russian government is a thug-o-cracy. Thugs from the top down. The only thing they understand is brute force or the threat of. They do not uphold treaties, anything that they say cannot be trusted. Just a whole country full of thugs. Russian people are enslaved by and indoctrinated into their thug-o-cracy.
REAL Russian people are kind, considerate, loving, normal people. However, they are not free to be normal. The many millions of Russians who have left Russia are good people fleeing a bad government.
The only way to “negotiate” with the Russian terrorist president Putin, is with massive, overwhelming force. Nothing less will do. Putin and his henchmen only understand brute force. They were taught thuggery from a young age and it is the only way of life that they know.
Until Russians remove the cancer that is within their government, nothing will change in Russia.
Well apparently trump negotiated with him because they released him.
Don’t forget to thank Trump
This scumbag prolly wasn’t worth 1/100 of what was bad traded for him…
Thank you God and President TrumpSent from my iPhone
Americans need to Pay close attention to what other governments are telling them. Marijuana is not aloud in russia. They will put you in prison for it And it doesn’t matter if a Doctor in america said you needed it. Do not bring it, in any form, to russia. America might be wishy washy When it comes to putting drug users in prison. Russia is not.