As we reported, the Biden administration left what RedState’s Streiff called a “stink bomb” for the Trump team by appearing to do little to negotiate the release of teacher Marc Fogel, who was sentenced by the Russian Federation to 14 years in prison for marijuana charges.
The Biden team was somehow able to make a deal to release WNBA star Brittney Griner, though, even though she was also nabbed on a drug charge. Hmm.
Priorities: ‘Gut Wrenching’: Family of Marc Fogel, Who Biden ‘Left Behind’ in Russia, Blasts Prisoner Swap Deal
But now Fogel is free too:
Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia, has been released, the White House announced on Tuesday.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for President Donald Trump, left Russian airspace with Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, and he’s expected to be reunited with his family by the end of the day.
Fogel was arrested in August 2021, and he was serving a 14-year prison system [sic]. His family and supporters said he was traveling with medically prescribed marijuana.
It’s amazing how quickly American prisoners in Venezuela and Russia are being let out now that there’s a new sheriff in town.
BREAKING: Marc Fogel is getting out of Russia. From NSA Mike Waltz:
“Today, President Donald J. 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. President Trump,…
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) February 11, 2025
Details of the deal have not yet been released.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, said the U.S. and Russia “negotiated an exchange” to ensure Fogel’s release. He did not say what the U.S. side of the bargain entailed. Previous negotiations have occasionally involved reciprocal releases of Russians by the U.S. or its allies.
Waltz described the development as “a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.” Trump, a Republican, has promised to find a way to end the conflict.
More–> State Department Leaves a Stink Bomb for the Trump Team
It Sure Looks Like Biden Is Lying About the Brittney Griner Prisoner Swap
The White House said that it was a “step in the right direction” to improve our relationship with Vladimir Putin’s Russia and work toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
— Mike Waltz (@MikeWaltz47) February 11, 2025
Fogel is expected on U.S. soil Tuesday evening. Welcome back.
