Former US congressman George Santos has been released from a New Jersey federal prison after his sentence for wire fraud and identity theft was commuted by former president Donald Trump.
Santos, who was the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress, served less than a year of his seven-year, three-month sentence before being granted clemency. He had pleaded guilty in August 2024 to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Trump Announces Santos’ Release on Social Media
Trump announced the commutation on his social media platform, declaring:
“I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY.”
“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… At least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!”
“George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated. Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!”
Just days prior, Santos allegedly sent a personal letter to Trump pleading for clemency, writing:
“I take full responsibility for my actions. But no man, no matter his flaws, deserves to be lost in the system, forgotten and unseen, enduring punishment far beyond what justice requires.”
Conviction and Sentencing
In April 2025, Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after admitting to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 individuals—including family members—to make illegal campaign contributions.
Throughout his time behind bars, Santos maintained correspondence with the South Shore Press, a Long Island newspaper. In his most recent published letter dated 13 October, he appealed once again to Trump:
“Sir, I appeal to your sense of justice and humanity, the same qualities that have inspired millions of Americans to believe in you.”
“I humbly ask that you consider the unusual pain and hardship of this environment and allow me the opportunity to return to my family, my friends, and my community.”
Defence Team Responds
Santos’ lawyer, Andrew Mancilla, welcomed the president’s intervention, saying:
“The defence team applauds President Trump for doing the right thing.”
“The sentence was far too long.”
Santos, who flipped a New York House seat in 2022, was expelled from Congress in December 2023 following mounting investigations into fabrications throughout his personal and professional background.
In 2024, Santos also made headlines for reviving his drag persona, “Kitara Ravache”, publicly announcing:
“Y’all weren’t ready for this drop? I’ve decided to bring Kitara out of the closet after 18 years!”
His release marks yet another twist in the highly publicised and controversial career of the former congressman.
