Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel called President Trump “a hero” Tuesday in his first remarks since the commander in chief’s administration secured his release from a Russian prison.
“I want you to know that I am not a hero in this at all. And President Trump is a hero,” Fogel said after meeting Trump at the White House.
“These men that came from the diplomatic service are heroes,” Fogel continued. “The senators and representatives that passed legislation in my honor to get me home are the heroes.”
Trump, 78, greeted Fogel outside the White House on a snowy night in Washington just hours after his administration negotiated a deal to free the wrongfully detained American.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) and Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) were among several dignitaries that lined up behind the president to shake the elated Fogel’s hand.
Fogel had been wrongfully detained for the last three and a half years in Russia after being arrested with what he claimed was legally prescribed marijuana.
