Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines has expressed his approval following the announcement that President Trump has successfully secured the release of U.S. citizen Marc Fogel. Fogel, who has family ties in Montana, had been serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian prison for marijuana possession.

"This is a major victory for President Trump, the United States and most importantly, Marc Fogel and his family. No American should have to endure this injustice, and I am relieved Marc is on his way home to the country he loves. Thank you, President Trump, for finally securing Mr. Fogel’s safe return," stated Senator Daines.

Senator Daines acknowledged the U.S. State Department's decision to designate Fogel as "wrongfully detained" at the end of 2024. This designation followed efforts by Daines and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Mike McFaul, who had urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to take action on Fogel's behalf.

In addition to these efforts, Daines introduced a bipartisan resolution demanding Fogel's release from Russian custody and advocated for his freedom on the Senate floor in July 2023.