President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of former Rep. George Santos, leading to his immediate release from a federal facility in New Jersey. Santos, convicted of wire fraud and identity theft, expressed profound gratitude to Trump on social media. The move follows Santos' guilty plea and sentencing earlier this year.
Former U.S. Rep. George Santos, a Republican from New York, was released from federal prison on October 18, 2025, after President Donald Trump commuted his seven-year sentence late the previous day. Santos had been serving time at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Santos pleaded guilty in April 2025 to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of nearly a dozen people to funnel fraudulent contributions to his 2022 campaign. He was sentenced to 87 months in prison and reported to FCI Fairton in July. Elected to Congress in 2022, Santos served for nearly a year before being expelled by his House colleagues in late 2023.
In a post on X on Saturday evening, Santos described the commutation as 'a true second chance at life.' He thanked 'our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for never abandoning me' and expressed 'deepest gratitude to President Donald J. Trump.' Santos revealed he spoke personally with Trump earlier that day, calling the conversation one he 'will never forget.'
'President Trump reminded me that in this country we love so much, no mistake, no hardship, and no fall from grace can take away the possibility of renewal,' Santos wrote. 'His faith in second chances reignited my own, and for that, I will be forever thankful.'
Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, describing Santos as 'somewhat of a rogue' but arguing his punishment was excessive. 'At least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!' Trump wrote. He noted Santos had endured 'long stretches' in solitary confinement and 'horrible mistreatment,' leading to the immediate release.
Santos accused FCI Fairton Warden Kelly and Assistant Warden Nobile of dehumanizing him. Moving forward, he plans to advocate for prison reform, inspired by Trump's recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas. 'My focus will be on prison reform and accountability, ensuring that those in power uphold the dignity and humanity of every person in their care,' Santos stated.
The FCI in New Jersey did not immediately respond to requests for comment.