Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia for 3½ years over a minor medical cannabis charge, has been released and is en route to the U.S., the White House confirmed Tuesday. The 63-year-old from Pennsylvania had been sentenced to 14 years in prison and was classified as “wrongfully detained” by U.S. officials.

National security adviser Mike Waltz credited President Donald Trump’s leadership for securing Fogel’s release, stating that he would be reunited with his family by nightfall. Trump announced he would meet with Fogel at the White House upon his arrival. His mother, Malphine “Mafa” Fogel, expressed surprise at the news but credited Trump, recalling their meeting at his rally in Butler on July 13, where he had vowed to secure her son’s freedom if elected.

Marc Fogel.

Fogel is traveling home aboard a private jet owned by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, expected to land at Joint Base Andrews around 9 p.m. ET. Officials suggested his release could support Trump’s diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Waltz described the exchange as a “show of good faith” from Russia, though it remains unclear what Moscow gained in return.

For years, Fogel’s family had urged U.S. officials to act as other American detainees, including Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Brittney Griner, were freed. His prolonged detention left him demoralized, according to his mother, who feared he might never return.

Fogel had been working in Russia when he was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport with 17 grams of medical cannabis, prescribed for back pain. His attorney, Sasha Phillips, noted that similar cases in Russia typically result in probation or minimal sentences but alleged Fogel was used as leverage in diplomatic tensions with the U.S.

His release was met with bipartisan praise. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., celebrated the news, emphasizing that “no American should be left behind.” Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., expressed relief, with McCormick highlighting the joy of Fogel’s 95-year-old mother, who will finally reunite with her son.

Early Tuesday, Fogel called his mother from a Moscow airport with his signature greeting, “buongiorno,” shocking her with the unexpected news. He assured her he was on his way home, urging her not to ask questions. “Hopefully, he’ll be here by suppertime,” she said, overwhelmed with relief.