Disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos had his prison sentence commuted by President Donald J. Trump.
Convicted on federal wire and identity theft charges, Santos, 34, was only three months into an 87-month sentence when Trump intervened. Trump said Santos had been “horribly mistreated” inside FCI Fairton, a medium-sized facility in New Jersey.
“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison,” Trump wrote in an Oct. 17 post on Truth Social. “Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison IMMEDIATELY. Good luck, George, have a great life!”
In 2022, Santos was elected to Congress in New York’s Third Congressional District. After the election, it was discovered he lied about large swaths of his background and was involved in criminal schemes, sparking his subsequent expulsion from Congress.
The gay Republican spent a good portion of his time behind bars in solitary confinement. He described the experience as “humbling” and pledged to become active in prison reform efforts.
Trump’s directive does not erase Santos’ convictions, but does wipe away restitution payments. Santos is now back on the Cameo app, where celebrities are paid to offer well wishes and other messages.
RELATED
