Dayton Reporter

On February 11, 2025, Marc Fogel returned to the United States after being detained in Russia since 2021. Chairman Rick Crawford, alongside President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials, welcomed him back at the White House.

Chairman Crawford expressed his satisfaction with Fogel's return, stating: “It was an honor and a privilege to meet Marc Fogel at the White House last night. Mr. Fogel was wrongfully detained in Russia in 2021 and was treated as a pawn in a larger game of political chess."

He praised the efforts of President Trump, Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their teams for facilitating Fogel's release. "I am so proud of the work President Trump...and their teams did to bring home an American citizen whose plight had been largely ignored by the Biden Administration since his detention began," Crawford said.

Crawford also highlighted that President Trump had promised during his campaign to secure Fogel's release and fulfilled this promise within his first month in office. He added: "I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of a resurgence in America’s standing in the world."

Reflecting on Fogel's arrival at the White House, Crawford remarked: "As I watched Mr. Fogel arrive...Seeing a man who had been sentenced to 14 years smile, wave, and cling to our flag reminded me that when tested, America will always rise to the challenge.”

Fogel's case drew attention due to its geopolitical implications and has been seen as part of broader efforts by U.S. authorities to address wrongful detentions abroad.