George Santos thanks Trump after 7-year prison sentence commuted
Former Congressman George Santos expressed gratitude to Donald Trump after his prison sentence was commuted. Santos, who served in Congress from 2022 until his removal in 2023, had been serving a seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft.
Trump Commutes Santos’ Sentence
On Friday, Trump announced his decision to commute Santos’ sentence, allowing for an immediate release from the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey. Santos was convicted following accusations of deceiving campaign donors and stealing identities to fund his political ambitions.
Santos Thanks Trump
Santos took to social media on Saturday to express his heartfelt appreciation. He stated, “Yesterday, I was given something I never thought I’d have again: a true second chance at life.” In his message, he also thanked Jesus Christ for his resilience.
- Prison sentence duration: 7 years
- Date of commutation announcement: Friday, prior to Santos’ post on Saturday
- Location of imprisonment: FCI Fairton, New Jersey
- Santos’ conviction: Wire fraud and identity theft
Plans for the Future
In his message, Santos indicated a desire to focus on prison reform. He mentioned feeling inspired by Trump’s recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas. “I am dedicating myself to doing good, to building bridges instead of walls,” he declared.
Accusations of Mistreatment
Santos made allegations against the prison staff, claiming that he experienced dehumanization during his time at FCI Fairton. He emphasized, “No one should ever be mistreated like I was.” His experiences, he said, have fueled his passion for advocacy in the justice system.
Trump’s Remarks on the Commutation
When announcing the commutation, Trump described Santos as “somewhat of a rogue,” but believed the punishment he faced was excessive. He acknowledged that Santos had endured significant challenges, stating, “George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated.”
The former representative was sentenced to 87 months in prison after pleading guilty in April 2024. He reported to FCI Fairton in July 2024. The New Jersey facility has not publicly addressed the allegations made by Santos.
