Marc Fogel expresses gratitude for support, calls Trump a 'hero' after returning from Russian prison

As an entourage led by President Donald Trump waited Tuesday night under an awning outside the White House, the newly freed prisoner walked forward through the snow.

“Mr. President,” said Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy who had just completed a whirlwind roundtrip to Russia on a top-secret mission to free an Oakmont schoolteacher, “Marc Fogel.”

As Trump stepped forward to greet Fogel, released earlier that day in a prisoner swap after being held captive in Russian prisons for more than three years, applause erupted.

It was a hero’s welcome.

The president and the former prisoner quietly exchanged words — Trump in an overcoat, a beaming Fogel in a pullover, American flag draped around his shoulders.

“I’m in total awe,” Fogel said. “My thanks is for you and your administration and these amazing people who brought me home, and I will just spend the rest of my life in debt to you.”

With that, Trump and Fogel clasped hands, and the president led Fogel forward.

“I’m so excited,” Fogel said.

It was an extraordinary moment, one that went on for nearly five minutes as Fogel greeted members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation and other top politicians, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Fogel talked about receiving Christmas cards, being shaken down while in custody, and how his incredible journey unfolded.

“They came and pulled me out, I had a mask on, I couldn’t see where I was going, and they were moving me. There was a point, I think it was today … they brought me my clothes.”

“You look great,” Trump said.

Seemingly impervious to the frigid temperatures, Fogel shook hands and basked in exchanging pleasantries before being ushered inside.

“Let’s get you out of the cold,” Trump offered after three minutes.

“I’m not one bit of cold. I came from Russia,” Fogel said, eliciting laughter.

As Fogel maneuvered through the line, he name-dropped Pittsburgh, mentioning a Steelers hat he was seen wearing upon arrival that he had lost track of and warmly greeting U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.

“And it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Squirrel Hill,” Fogel said. “I had a Steeler hat on when I got off the plane. I don’t know where it is…”

“Your mom came to our house,” McCormick said.

Next was U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Peters.

“You’ve been an absolute star for me and my family,” Fogel told him.

Then U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, introduced himself.

“You know what,” Fogel told the congressman, “of the 10 letters, I got one from you as well, and I had that in a scrapbook I was keeping, and they took that scrapbook from me today, and I want it back.”

Standing in the White House, finally back in America after spending three-and-a-half years in a Russian prison, Fogel thanked Trump, federal officials and his family for the advocacy that led to his freedom.

“I want you to know that I am not a hero in this at all,” Fogel said. “President Trump is a hero. Those that came from the diplomatic service are heroes. The senators and representatives that passed legislation in my honor to get me home are heroes.”

Trump posted video footage to social media showing him greeting Fogel at the White House and addressing reporters.

WELCOME HOME, MARC!???????? pic.twitter.com/0b2Igcqudp

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

Fogel, 63, was imprisoned in August 2021 for possession of medical marijuana.

His family joined local and federal officials in vocally calling for his freedom.

“I am in awe of what they all did,” Fogel said. “My family has been a force. I think my 95-year-old mother is probably the most dynamic 95-year-old on earth right now.”

His mother, Malphine, has been a strong advocate for her son since his imprisonment. Trump said he promised her that he would get her son out of Russia.

“I had to get him back home because I would have big trouble with his mother,” he said in the video clip posted to social media.

Fogel expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

“I am indebted to so many people,” he said.

He clutched an Iron City Beer can while chatting with Trump, who promised to give him a tour of the famous Lincoln Bedroom in the White House after their media appearance.

“I love our country,” Fogel said. “I’m so happy to be back here.”

There’s a story behind that Iron City.

Deluzio said he wanted to give Fogel a taste of home on his first night back in the U.S., and at the last moment before he went over to the White House, shortly before 10 p.m., he remembered he had several cans of Iron City in his office refrigerator.

“I just took one and gave it to him when he got there. I don’t even think he drank it,” Deluzio said.

Though Fogel said his time in Russia was difficult, he also expressed gratitude to President Vladimir Putin for his freedom.

“I should make mention that President Putin was very generous and statesmanlike in granting me a pardon,” he said.

When asked about the conditions he was held in, Fogel said he needed time to digest it.

“There were times when it was extremely trying,” he said. “There were times when I could manage it. Every second, every minute, every day had a challenge.”

Trump said Fogel was “in good shape” as he returned.

Trump said the deal he struck with Putin was “very fair” but did not provide details of the agreement. He said Fogel should’ve been released “a lot earlier.”

“It’s great to have you back,” Trump told Fogel. “You’re gonna have a great life.”

Staff writer Rich Cholodofsky contributed to this report.