Presidential Action: On Friday evening, ex-President Donald Trump announced he has officially signed a commutation to free former congressman George Santos from his prison sentence effective immediately.
Santos, at just 37, found himself with less than three months left on a seven-year federal prison term stemming from serious charges, including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Trump made headlines with a social media post where he described Santos as “somewhat of a ‘rogue'” but praised him for having the “Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!”
In his announcement, Trump mentioned that Santos had endured extended periods of solitary confinement and was subjected to mistreatment. He declared, “I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck, George, have a great life!”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, which was behind Santos’ prosecution, hasn’t commented on the matter yet.
According to a clemency document shared on social media by U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, Santos has been granted an “immediate commutation of his entire sentence to time served, with no further obligations like fines, probation, or conditions.”
Santos’ attorney shared with ABC News that they are en route to the prison and expect his release Friday night, pending official confirmation.
It’s worth noting that Martin and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche were instrumental in pushing for the commutation, along with strong advocacy from various Republican congress members like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, and Tim Burchett.
George Santos faced a shocking 7-year sentence for multiple fraud charges
Santos pled guilty earlier this year to numerous fraudulent activities, which resulted in his 87-month prison sentence—substantial given the limits of the charges leveled against him.
This commutation surfaces just days after a heartfelt letter from Santos was published in the South Shore Press, pleading with Trump for leniency. In his correspondence to the former president, Santos expressed that during his brief tenure in Congress, he unwaveringly backed Trump’s agenda to the fullest.
“I promoted initiatives that boosted our economy and secured our borders,” Santos wrote. “I did so proudly because I believe in your mission for the American public.”
Santos detailed that he was being held in total isolation due to a supposed death threat he received, making his appeal all the more urgent.
“Mr. Trump, you are known for providing second chances,” he added earnestly. “I humbly seek that same opportunity from you.”
George Santos sentenced to over 7 years after fraud case revelations
Rep. Greene, one of the vocal supporters of Santos’ release, expressed gratitude towards Trump for the commutation, affirming on social media that Santos had indeed been “unfairly treated and subjected to solitary confinement, which is torture!!”
When Santos confessed to fraud, he admitted managing false campaign contributions and unauthorized credit card charges, revealing strategies designed to secure additional funding. He also incorrectly claimed unemployment benefits during the pandemic—funds he was not entitled to.
As part of the plea deal, Santos accepted a hefty restitution of nearly $600,000 that he must repay.
It’s important to highlight that Santos was expelled from Congress in December 2023, barely a year into his position representing New York’s 3rd District. His removal came following damning ethics violation accusations, outlined in a report that painted him as a charlatan exploiting the clout of his political role to scam others.
Report contributions by ABC News’ Lalee Ibssa, Aaron Katersky, and Rachel Scott.
