Marco Rubio Credits Trump for Marc Fogel’s Release from Russia

In a significant development, Sen. Marco Rubio, speaking Tuesday on Fox News’ *Hannity*, attributed the recent release of Marc Fogel, an American detained in Russia, to the leadership of former President Donald Trump. Fogel had been imprisoned since 2021 after being arrested at a Russian airport for drug possession, a case that had garnered attention and concern from many quarters.

Rubio’s Strong Praise for Trump

During the interview with Sean Hannity, Rubio said, “We have a great team here … but none of this is possible without President Trump.” He emphasized that Fogel’s release marks a significant achievement for the current administration, noting that he is the tenth American to be freed from overseas detention in just three weeks. According to Rubio, this reflects the effectiveness of strong presidential leadership.

Rubio did not shy away from expressing his criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of Fogel’s case, suggesting that it was overlooked and lacked the necessary priority. He stated, “Every time an American returns home, it’s a reason to celebrate. This case was neglected by the Biden administration and wasn’t given priority. Tonight is truly a happy occasion—not just for all Americans but especially for Mr. Fogel and his family.”

Details of Marc Fogel’s Case

Marc Fogel, who previously worked as a history teacher at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian prison following his arrest. His family claimed that he was carrying medically prescribed marijuana at the time of his arrest, raising questions about the fairness of the charges against him. The negotiation for his release came after significant diplomatic efforts led by the Trump administration.

Upon his return to the United States, Fogel met with Trump at the White House, where he referred to the former president as a “hero” for facilitating his release. His family echoed this sentiment, releasing a statement that expressed gratitude for Trump’s “unwavering leadership.”

Negotiations with Russia

When pressed about whether any concessions were made for Fogel’s release, Trump responded succinctly, “not much,” without providing additional details on the negotiations. This terse remark left unanswered questions regarding the strategies used to secure Fogel’s freedom, yet it was clear that the negotiations were a focal point of the diplomatic efforts involved.

Rubio on Leadership and Foreign Policy

Rubio’s commentary extended beyond Fogel’s case to highlight the broader implications of presidential leadership in foreign policy. He articulated that a strong president is essential when navigating complex international challenges. He emphasized the necessity of strength in leadership, stating, “People underestimate how important it is to have a strong president.”

During the interview, Rubio elaborated on how Trump’s decisive actions contrast with those of other global leaders, asserting that they respect strength and assertiveness. He stated, “This strength is key to solving bigger global issues,” referencing ongoing international conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, which currently stands under a ceasefire.

The Future of Global Affairs

Looking ahead, Rubio is optimistic about the potential for Trump’s leadership to yield positive outcomes in resolving major international conflicts. He believes that Trump’s reputation for taking decisive action could be instrumental in addressing issues like the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He remarked, “With Trump as president, there’s a real possibility of ending the war in Ukraine or resolving conflicts in the Middle East. These world leaders know he isn’t bluffing.”

In conclusion, Rubio reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to action, stating, “Trump follows through on his promises. He doesn’t waste time making empty statements. If he says he’ll do something, he does it. And global leaders recognize that.” His hopeful outlook suggests that such strength in leadership might lead to further results in future diplomatic efforts, not just for American citizens like Fogel but for the nation as a whole.