Trump Welcomes Marc Fogel at the White House After His Release from Russia

American professor Marc Fogel has been released after spending nearly three and a half years in a Russian prison. He was arrested in August 2021 for attempting to enter the country with medical cannabis and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

An Emotional Welcome at the White House

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, welcomed Fogel to the White House on Tuesday night. The capital was covered in snow as the professor arrived at the presidential building.

President Trump Greets and Welcomes Marc Fogel Back to The United States https://t.co/LfMAk8NdGj

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 12, 2025

“Welcome home,” Trump wrote on his X account, along with a video showing the moment Fogel stepped onto U.S. soil once again.

“I’m the Luckiest Man in the World”

“I love our country and I am so happy to be back.” –Marc Fogel 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/LXqEmZIfsF

— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 12, 2025

The professor, born in 1959, wore a United States flag around his neck and thanked Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for assisting in his release.

Inside the White House, Fogel expressed his joy and relief. “I feel like the luckiest man in the world right now,” he said excitedly after greeting the president.

Family, His Greatest Support in Prison

During his statement, Fogel emphasized that his family’s support was crucial in enduring his time in prison. “My family has been a great source of support. All the love I received helped me withstand these three and a half years,” he expressed.

Trump Appreciates Putin’s Gesture

“When I saw [Marc Fogel’s] mother at a rally, she said, ‘If you win, will you get my son out?’ I promised her—she’s 95 years old—and I said, ‘We’ll get him out,’ and we got him out pretty quickly.” –President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jQ681LMxgD

— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 12, 2025

President Trump assured that his administration worked directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure Fogel’s release. He also suggested that this agreement could be a step toward peace in Ukraine.

“I believe this could help end the war. We appreciate what President Putin did,” Trump stated. He also announced that another American will be released on Wednesday.