In a controversial move, former US President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of George Santos, a disgraced ex-Republican congressman, ordering his immediate release. Santos was serving a seven-year sentence for fraud and identity theft, crimes that included stealing the identities of 11 individuals, including family members. Trump announced the decision on social media, claiming Santos had been ‘horribly mistreated’ and deserved a second chance. ‘Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!’ Trump wrote. Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023 following a damning ethics report, had been incarcerated at a minimum-security facility in New Jersey. His downfall began in 2022 when investigations revealed he had fabricated his resume, lied about his professional background, and misused campaign funds for personal expenses, including Botox treatments and OnlyFans subscriptions. In his defense, Santos had previously apologized in court, stating, ‘I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead.’ Trump justified his decision by criticizing Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, whom he accused of fabricating his military service, claiming Santos’s actions were less severe. Santos’s lawyer, Andrew Mancilla, praised Trump’s decision, calling the original sentence ‘far too long.’ This marks the latest in a series of pardons issued by Trump, including former congressman Michael Grimm and ex-Connecticut Governor John Rowland. Santos had recently published an open letter to Trump, pleading for a pardon and expressing his desire to ‘rebuild’ his life.
‘Have a great life!’ Trump orders prison release of disgraced ex-congressman George Santos
