Rubio says American Marc Fogel freed from Russia due to ‘strength’ of Trump

Marco Rubio Credits President Trump for the Release of Marc Fogel

Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Fox News’ "Hannity" Tuesday to discuss the release of Marc Fogel, an American who had been detained in Russia since 2021. Rubio attributed Fogel’s freedom to the leadership of President Donald Trump, describing him as a "strong president" who has made bringing home detained Americans a priority. "We have a great team here … but none of this is possible without President Trump," Rubio remarked. He highlighted that Fogel’s release marks the 10th American to be freed from detention abroad in just three weeks, calling it an "extraordinary achievement" for the White House. Rubio emphasized that such successes are a direct result of having a leader like Trump, who he described as a president who "says he’s going to do something, and then he does it."

Rubio also took the opportunity to contrast the Trump administration’s approach with that of the previous administration. "This is a case that languished under the Biden administration," he noted. "They really didn’t give it priority." He expressed relief that Fogel’s case had finally been resolved, calling it a "happy occasion" for all Americans, especially Fogel and his family. Rubio’s comments underscored the importance of strong leadership in resolving sensitive diplomatic matters, particularly when dealing with foreign leaders who, in his view, respect strength above all else.

Marc Fogel’s Journey Home: A Teacher’s Long Ordeal Ends

Marc Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, had been teaching at the Anglo-American School in Moscow when his life took a dramatic turn. In August 2021, he was arrested at a Russian airport for possession of marijuana, which his family insisted was medically prescribed. Despite their protests, Fogel was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His detention had become a high-profile case, with his family and advocates pushing tirelessly for his release.

After years of negotiations, Fogel was finally freed following talks between the Russian government and the Trump administration. Upon his return to the United States, he met with President Trump at the White House, where he reportedly thanked the president for his role in securing his freedom. In a statement, Fogel’s family also expressed their gratitude, praising Trump’s "unwavering leadership" and noting that he had kept his promise to bring their loved one home.

When reporters asked Trump whether the U.S. had made any concessions in exchange for Fogel’s release, the president responded vaguely, saying, "Not much," without elaborating further. The exact details of the negotiations remain unclear, but Fogel’s release has been seen as a significant diplomatic achievement for the Trump administration.

Rubio: Strong Leadership Matters in Diplomacy

Rubio repeatedly emphasized the importance of having a "strong president" like Donald Trump when dealing with foreign leaders. "We have strong leaders around the world," he explained. "We may not like them or what they do, but these are strong leaders that respect strength." Rubio argued that Trump’s reputation for being a decisive and forceful leader has earned him the respect of other heads of state, making it easier to achieve diplomatic breakthroughs.

The secretary of state also suggested that Trump’s leadership could pave the way for progress on other pressing foreign policy issues, such as ending the Russia-Ukraine war and resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict, which is currently under a ceasefire. "When you have a president that’s strong, like Donald Trump, you’re going to have a chance to achieve things," Rubio said. He expressed optimism that Trump’s approach could yield results in multiple regions, as foreign leaders take the president’s commitments seriously. "He says he’s going to do it, and then he does it," Rubio added. "And these leaders know it."

A New Era of Diplomacy: The Trump Approach

Rubio’s comments reflect a broader narrative about the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy. According to Rubio, Trump’s willingness to take bold action and follow through on his promises has created an environment where diplomatic successes are more achievable. He pointed to the recent streak of Americans being freed from detention abroad as evidence of this approach’s effectiveness.

Rubio also drew a contrast between Trump’s leadership style and that of previous administrations. He implied that Trump’s decisiveness and willingness to prioritize such cases have made a significant difference. The secretary of state made it clear that he believes having a "strong president" is essential when dealing with authoritarian regimes and other challenging actors on the world stage.

Balancing Strength and Diplomacy: The Bigger Picture

While Rubio and the Trump administration have been quick to celebrate Fogel’s release as a diplomatic victory, the broader implications of U.S.-Russia relations remain complex. The two nations are still deeply divided on issues such as Ukraine, cybersecurity, and nuclear arms control. However, the successful negotiation of Fogel’s release suggests that even in difficult relationships, progress can be made when both sides find common ground.

Rubio’s remarks also highlight the ongoing debate about the most effective approach to diplomacy. Some argue that a tough, assertive stance is necessary to command respect from foreign leaders, while others advocate for a more collaborative approach. The Trump administration’s focus on strength and decisive action has been a hallmark of its foreign policy, and supporters argue that it has yielded tangible results, such as the release of detained Americans.

Nevertheless, critics caution that such an approach can also have drawbacks, potentially alienating allies or escalating tensions in already volatile regions. As the U.S. continues to navigate its relationships with powerful adversaries like Russia, the balance between strength and diplomacy will remain a key challenge for policymakers.

In the end, Marc Fogel’s release serves as a reminder of the human dimension of diplomacy. For Fogel and his family, the end of his long ordeal is a cause for celebration. For the U.S. government, it represents a diplomatic success that underscores the importance of leadership and strategy in achieving difficult goals. As the Biden administration continues to grapple with the complexities of foreign policy, cases like Fogel’s release serve as a reminder of the high stakes involved in international relations—and the enduring importance of bringing Americans home.