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Marc Fogel, an American history teacher detained in Russia since 2021, arrived back in the United States on Tuesday following diplomatic negotiations. Fogel, who was serving a 14-year sentence for possessing medically prescribed marijuana, was released after talks with the Trump administration.
After landing, Fogel met with President Trump at the White House, calling him a hero for securing his release. In an emotional statement, he also praised U.S. diplomats and lawmakers who worked to bring him home.
While Trump’s national security advisor, Michael Waltz, confirmed that an exchange was negotiated with Russia, details of what the U.S. gave up remain unclear. Fogel’s family expressed their deep gratitude to the President, calling it the end of a painful chapter.