Former Representative George Santos of New York expressed his gratitude on social media Saturday for President Donald Trump commuting his sentence. He described feeling deeply touched by the “kindness” and “generosity” shown by the president.
Late Friday, Trump announced that Santos would be released from federal prison, where he was serving a seven-year sentence in New Jersey for wire fraud and grand identity theft. In a detailed post on X, Santos thanked both his faith and the president for this unexpected opportunity.
“Yesterday, I was given something I never thought I’d receive again: a true second chance at life,” Santos posted. “First and foremost, I want to thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has never forsaken me.…I also owe my deepest thanks to President Donald J. Trump.”
Santos mentioned that he had a private conversation with Trump earlier that day, a moment he said he would “never forget.”
“President Trump has reminded us that no mistake, no hardship, no fall from grace can take away the chance for renewal in this country we cherish,” he noted. “His belief in second chances reignited my own, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”
The former congressman also acknowledged the support of his followers and stated his intention to focus on prison reform, drawing inspiration from the recent peace talks Trump facilitated between Israel and Hamas.
“Inspired by President Trump’s dedication to peace in the Middle East, I aim to do good and build bridges, not walls,” Santos said. “I will work on prison reform and accountability, making sure those in power respect the dignity and humanity of everyone under their care.”
Santos claimed that staff at the Federal Correctional Facility in Fairton, New Jersey, mistreated him, insisting that no one should be “dehumanized or degraded” during incarceration.
“No one should experience the degradation that I faced from FCI Director Faliton Kelly and Assistant Director Nobile,” he said. “…I want to turn my past into something meaningful and help create a justice system that genuinely believes in rehabilitation and second chances.”
Trump, while announcing the commutation, described Santos as “a villain in some ways,” but contended that his punishment was excessive.
“…At least Santos always had the courage, conviction, and intelligence to vote Republican!” Trump remarked. “George has endured extended solitary confinement and horrific treatment, which is why I have decided to sign a commutation agreement to release him. Good luck, George, and have a great life!”
Santos had been sentenced to 87 months in prison after pleading guilty in April to defrauding donors and stealing the identities of several individuals to gain fraudulent campaign contributions. He arrived at FCI Fairton in July.
The former congressman was elected in 2022 and served just under a year in Congress before being removed by his peers in 2023.
As of now, FCI New Jersey has not responded to requests for comments.
