Following a pledge made to Marc Fogel's mother during a campaign rally, former President Donald Trump successfully negotiated the release of the American teacher from Russian custody. Fogel had been imprisoned in Russia for over three years on drug charges.
The meeting between Trump and Malphine Fogel took place in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Shortly after this meeting, an assassination attempt was made on Trump's life. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), who witnessed the exchange between Trump and Fogel's mother, described the sequence of events as "providential."
Trump was presenting data on illegal immigration when the assassination attempt occurred. He was struck by a bullet but credits a chart he was displaying with saving his life. The would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was subsequently killed.
Kelly drew a parallel between the situation and the film "It's a Wonderful Life," suggesting that had Trump not survived the attack, Fogel might still be in prison. Fogel, a teacher from Western Pennsylvania, was arrested in 2021 for possessing medical marijuana and sentenced to 14 years. His release was secured by Trump late Tuesday.
Kelly emphasized the significance of the timing, stating, "If President Trump did not survive the assassination attempt on July 13, Marc Fogel wouldn’t be home today." He stressed that the release was a fulfillment of a promise and not a political maneuver.
Malphine Fogel expressed her gratitude to Trump in an interview, acknowledging his role in her son's release. She recounted the surprise of receiving a call from her son at the Moscow airport, signaling his impending return. She described the feeling as a "total shock" after a period of heightened anticipation.
Kelly underscored the emotional weight of the situation, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling promises, especially in the face of mortality. He reiterated that Trump's actions were driven by a commitment to a grieving mother, who wished to see her son again. He concluded by echoing the sentiment of "It's a Wonderful Life," calling the event "truly providential."
