President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of former Congressman George Santos, the once-prominent New York Republican who was serving time for wire fraud and identity theft.
In a late-night post on Truth Social Friday, Trump announced that he had signed a commutation order, freeing the disgraced lawmaker “immediately.” He described Santos as “a rogue, but also a great hero,” alleging that the 37-year-old had suffered “horrible mistreatment” during his time in solitary confinement.
A senior White House official confirmed the decision, saying the president “heard from many people” and decided “it was the right call.” Santos’ attorney said his client was “overjoyed and appreciative,” calling the original seven-year sentence “draconian.”
Santos was convicted last year after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft tied to campaign finance violations and misuse of donor funds. Prosecutors said he used campaign money for luxury purchases, Botox treatments, and an OnlyFans subscription.
He had served less than three months of an 87-month federal sentence when Trump granted him clemency.
Elected in 2022 after flipping a Democratic district in Long Island, Santos’ rise — and swift fall — captured national attention. After The New York Times exposed falsehoods in his résumé and personal history, a House Ethics Committee found “substantial evidence” he had misused campaign funds. Santos was expelled from Congress in December 2023.
In his post, Trump wrote, “Good luck, George. Have a great life!” — a message that has sparked both praise and outrage.
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the decision, telling ABC’s This Week that the president’s constitutional authority for commutation is clear.
“We believe in redemption,” Johnson said. “I hope Mr. Santos makes the most of his second chance.”
But others — including several New York Republicans — say the move undermines accountability.
Rep. Nick LaLota argued Santos’ crimes “warrant more than a three-month sentence,” while Rep. Andrew Garbarino, who served on the House Ethics Committee, said victims “still haven’t been made whole.”
In an interview from his home, Santos said he learned about his release while still behind bars.
“Other inmates saw it on TV and called me over,” he told CNN’s Dana Bash. “It was a total surprise.”
He downplayed criticism of Trump’s action, pointing to President Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden.
“Pardon me if I’m not paying attention to the pearl-clutching,” Santos said. “President Biden pardoned his son — I didn’t see outrage then.”
Santos also said he has no immediate plans to re-enter politics.
“I’m all politicked out,” he said. “Not for at least the next decade.”
The former congressman still faces questions about whether he will repay more than $370,000 in restitution. When asked if he would make the payments, Santos said, “If the law requires it, yes. If not, then no.”
As debate grows over Trump’s latest clemency decision, legal analysts say the move underscores how presidential pardon powers continue to spark controversy — particularly in high-profile political cases.
That’s the latest on the Santos commutation. We will have continuing coverage and expert reaction throughout the evening.
Reporting by Katy Moore.
