George Santos Released After Trump Commutes Sentence, Vows Loyalty
Former Rep. George Santos was released from prison after President Trump commuted his seven-year sentence for fraud, serving less than three months and vowing not to disappoint Trump.
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Overview
- President Donald Trump commuted the seven-year prison sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos, resulting in his immediate release after serving less than three months.
- Santos was incarcerated for wire fraud and money laundering in New Jersey, following convictions for misusing campaign funds and lying on financial disclosures.
- Expelled from the House in December 2023, Santos was released after serving only 84 days of his 87-month sentence, a surprise commutation by Trump.
- Santos expressed deep gratitude to Trump for his release, vowing not to disappoint him and stating he found God while in prison.
- Despite a restitution order of over $370,000, Santos indicated he would only pay if legally required, reflecting Trump's broader use of clemency power.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by consistently reminding readers of George Santos's extensive history of deceit and financial crimes, even as they report his release and statements. They juxtapose his claims of humility with his dismissive attitude towards critics and highlight his conditional stance on restitution, collectively shaping a narrative that underscores his past transgressions and perceived lack of full accountability.
"Santos said he has been granted a second chance and intended to “make amends,” but when asked if he intended to pay back the campaign donors he had defrauded, he said only if he had to."
Associated Press"Santos was previously expelled from the House in December 2023."
NBC News"The commutation comes days after the South Shore Press published a "passionate plea" from Santos to Trump, in which he expressed his support and asked that the president "allow me the opportunity to return to my family, my friends, and my community.""
ABC News"President Trump said Santos has been "horribly mistreated" in prison and will be released immediately."
CBS News"Santos’ commutation is Trump’s latest high-profile act of clemency for former Republican politicians since retaking the White House in January."
ABC News"George Santos, the Republican who won a congressional seat by fabricating details of his life story, then went to prison for fraud, was given clemency by President Donald Trump on Friday."
ABC News"Trump's decision to commute Santos' sentence reflects a controversial stance on justice and accountability."
NPR"Santos was charged in 2023 with stealing from donors and his campaign, fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits and lying to Congress about his wealth."
Fortune"President Donald Trump commuted former U.S. Representative George Santos' more than seven-year prison sentence for fraud and identity theft on Friday evening and said that Santos would be freed immediately."
USA TODAY"Trump has previously called for an investigation into Blumenthal over the claim."
BBC News"Trump's commutation of Santos' sentence has sparked controversy, with many questioning the fairness of his treatment compared to others."
Deadline"Santos was exposed after his victory as a habitual liar."
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FAQ
George Santos was convicted of wire fraud and money laundering for misusing campaign funds and lying on financial disclosures.
He was originally sentenced to seven years (87 months) but was released after serving only 84 days.
President Trump commuted Santos's sentence because he believed Santos had been 'horribly mistreated'.
Santos expressed deep gratitude to Trump for his release, vowed not to disappoint him, and stated he found God while in prison.
Santos faces a restitution order of over $370,000 but indicated he would only pay if legally required.
History
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