US President Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of George Santos, a former Republican congressman serving seven years in prison for fraud and identity theft.
In a post on social media, Trump stated that Santos has been horribly mistreated, adding: Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!
Santos was the sixth U.S. congressman in history to be expelled from Congress, following a damning ethics report in 2023.
He had been sentenced for stealing the identities of 11 individuals, including family members, and was serving his term in a minimum-security facility in New Jersey. Reports indicate he was released on Friday night.
God bless President Donald J Trump, remarked Joseph Murray, one of Santos's attorneys, after the announcement.
Santos was sentenced in April, where a judge condemned him for being elected through lies, a sentiment reflected in his emotional apologies in court.
During his conviction, Santos lied about his background, misusing campaign funds for personal expenses, including Botox treatments and OnlyFans subscriptions.
After the investigation into his activities became public, Santos faced legal action, leading to his expulsion from Congress.
Santos, who managed to flip a Democratic seat in New York during his election, had made a heartfelt plea to Trump earlier this week, asking for fairness and an opportunity to reconnect with his family and community.
This decision by Trump, who has previously pardoned other former Republican lawmakers, has stirred conversations about justice and accountability within U.S. politics.
