On Tuesday, Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old Pennsylvania schoolteacher who had been detained in Russia since 2021, finally returned to the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. His release was secured following diplomatic efforts led by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed Fogel’s return, stating, “Today, President Donald Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia.”
The details of the exchange that led to Fogel’s release remain undisclosed, but Waltz characterized the negotiation as a significant step in U.S.-Russia relations. “President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the President’s advisors 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,” he said.
Since taking office, President Trump has prioritized securing the release of Americans detained abroad.
Waltz emphasized Trump’s commitment, stating, “Since President Trump’s swearing-in, he has successfully secured the release of Americans detained around the world, and President Trump will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States. By tonight, Marc Fogel will be on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones thanks to President Trump’s leadership.”
Upon his return, Fogel visited the White House, where he personally thanked President Trump for securing his release. The moment was marked by celebration, with Trump using the opportunity to announce that another American detainee would be released the following day.
On Wednesday morning, Belarus released three detainees, including an American. While the identity of the American has not yet been confirmed, reports indicate that he was detained in 2021 while protesting in Belarus.
The Biden administration had been aware of this American’s detention for four years but failed to secure his release. With Trump’s diplomatic efforts proving successful in back-to-back negotiations, it remains to be seen whether further releases will follow in the coming days.