President Trump FREES Marc Fogel from Russia after Biden LEFT HIM BEHIND for Brittney Griner!

In a stunning turn of events, former President Donald Trump has successfully secured the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher who has been detained in Russia for nearly three years. Fogel, who was arrested in August 2021 for possessing medically prescribed marijuana, was freed in a daring diplomatic move that is now raising questions about the U.S. government’s priorities. This comes after President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to prioritize WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release, while leaving Fogel behind to suffer in Russian custody for nearly 1,000 days.

A Comparison That Cannot Be Ignored

Marc Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian prison after his arrest in 2021. The U.S. government designated him as “wrongfully detained,” but for over two years, his case failed to garner the same level of media attention and public outcry that Griner’s did. Griner, who was detained in Russia for the same offense—marijuana possession—spent 293 days in captivity before her release in a high-profile swap that included the notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death.”

Despite the public pressure and celebrity-led campaigns that surrounded Griner’s case, Fogel’s plight went largely ignored, even though he spent three times as long in Russian custody. When Griner was released, there was little to no mention of Fogel, and many critics, especially those supporting Fogel’s release, began to question why one American was prioritized over the other.

The Delay: A Wound That’s Been Slow to Heal

Fogel’s supporters have long been frustrated by the slow-moving response to his detention. At the time of Griner’s release, Fogel had already been held for nearly 900 days, with no clear resolution in sight. His family repeatedly called on the U.S. government to take action, but it wasn’t until the Trump administration’s involvement that Fogel was finally freed.

In a statement released on February 11, 2025, National Security Adviser Mike Wall confirmed that President Trump and his special envoy, Chi Wilkoff, negotiated an exchange with Russia to bring Fogel back home. Wall remarked, “This serves as a sign of good faith from the Russians and a potential step toward ending the brutal conflict in Ukraine.”

Trump’s Role: A Stark Contrast to Biden’s Actions

What makes this entire situation even more remarkable is the stark contrast between Trump’s diplomatic success and the Biden administration’s handling of the situation. While Biden made headlines for his deal to bring Griner back home, many were left wondering why he didn’t prioritize Fogel, who had been in Russian custody far longer and for the same crime.

Some critics argue that Griner’s status as a high-profile, openly gay Black athlete in a predominantly male, White-dominated sport may have played a role in the urgency surrounding her release. Meanwhile, Fogel—a history teacher with far less public visibility—was left to languish in a foreign prison, his case only receiving fleeting attention from the media and activists.

The Release: A Moment of Relief, But Questions Remain

Mark Fogel’s release comes after years of pressure, both from his family and from a growing number of American citizens who believed he deserved the same attention that was given to Griner. The moment of his return was emotional, with his relatives stating, “We are beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed that Mark is coming home. This has been the darkest and most painful period of our lives, but today we begin to heal.”

However, Fogel’s release doesn’t erase the fact that he was left behind for so long. Many Americans are still questioning why Griner received such an intense level of support and resources, while Fogel was almost entirely forgotten.

What Happens Next?

With Fogel’s return to the United States, attention is now shifting toward the future of U.S.-Russia relations. There are rumors swirling that this release could pave the way for a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, as President Trump’s negotiation was seen as a diplomatic breakthrough. If true, it could signal a shift in international relations that may have broader implications.

For Fogel, the journey back home marks the end of a painful chapter. For many, however, the question remains: Why was it allowed to get this far? Why did the Biden administration focus more on high-profile cases like Griner’s, while leaving Fogel to suffer without the same public outcry?

A Stark Reminder of Disparities in Priorities

This story is a reminder of the disparities in how different Americans are treated when it comes to international detentions. Griner’s release may have been a victory for her and her supporters, but Fogel’s suffering for almost three years exposes the cracks in the system—especially when the right amount of fame or status seems to expedite a person’s return.

While the U.S. government has now acted, thanks to Trump’s intervention, the questions surrounding the reasons behind the delay are impossible to ignore. Why did it take so long for Mark Fogel to come home? Why did it take someone outside the current administration to get him released?

The answers may never come, but one thing is clear: Fogel’s release is a triumph, but it is also a glaring reminder of the unequal treatment some Americans receive based on who they are, and who is watching.