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Trump commutes 'rogue' George Santos' 7-year fraud sentence
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 17, 2025
Modified Oct 17, 2025
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Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 17, 2025
Modified Oct 17, 2025
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Convicted fraudster George Santos may be going free only a few months into his 7-year prison term, after President Donald Trump announced he would be commuting the former congressman's sentence.
"I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY" Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday evening, saying he did not believe Santos' crimes merited a 7-year stint.
Santos, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft, reported to federal prison in July at FCI Fairton in southern New Jersey. A judge sentenced the former lawmaker to more than seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft. The judge also ordered him to pay more than $370,000 in restitution.
Almost since the day he was elected in 2022 to represent a swath of Long Island and Queens, Santos had faced accusations that he fabricated his personal biography. He was formally expelled from Congress in late 2023 after a House ethics committee found “substantial evidence” of misconduct and illegal activity.
Federal prosecutors said Santos filed fraudulent campaign documents, stole the identities and financial information of people who contributed to his campaign, charged credit cards without permission, wrongfully obtained unemployment insurance and lied to the U.S. House of Representatives. They also said he embezzled donations and spent the money on personal expenses, including designer clothing.
"This plea is not just an admission of guilt,” Santos told reporters outside the courthouse after he pleaded guilty last year. “It's an acknowledgement that I need to be held accountable like any other American that breaks the law."
Trump disagreed.
"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," the president said, adding Santos had been "horribly treated" in the medium-security prison.
Santos detailed some of his time at the facility in a post on South Shore Press. He claimed he was placed in “solitary confinement” after receiving death threats.
“Here, basic humanity feels discretionary, given only when convenient,” Santos wrote last month. “I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking to be treated as a person — with attention, dignity, and the care any human deserves when in distress.”
He added: “I renew my plea to President Trump: intervene. Help me escape this daily torment and let me return to my family.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
David Giambusso contributed reporting.
Tagged
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new york city
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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