Fogel was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for possessing medically prescribed marijuana and was subsequently sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony.

His release was secured following negotiations led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump. Upon his return to the United States, Fogel met with President Trump at the White House. Expressing his gratitude, Fogel stated, “I’m forever indebted to President Trump.” 

Fogel’s release comes after his 95-year-old mother, met with President Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. During their brief backstage meeting, she pleaded for her son’s freedom, to which President Trump responded with a promise to “get him out.” He later reiterated this commitment during his speech at the rally.