Former Long Island congressman George Santos’ prison sentence was commuted Friday by President Donald Trump.
Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023, was only a few months into serving a seven-year sentence on multiple charges, including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors said Santos fibbed to Congress about his income, fraudulently collected unemployment benefits, and used campaign funds to pay for personal expenses, including designer clothing.
A Republican, Santos was elected in 2022 to represent parts of Nassau County and northeast Queens. His brief time in office was marred by scandal after numerous reports revealed he had fabricated much of his biography, including his education, work history and details about his family background.
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to expel him, making Santos one of the few members in U.S. history to be removed from Congress by his colleagues.
In a statement following the commutation, Trump said, “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. Good luck George, have a great life!”
Criticism from LaLota
The decision was met with swift criticism, including from a fellow Long Island Republican. U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, who was among the first to call for Santos’s expulsion, posted his dismay on X.
“George Santos didn’t merely lie — he stole millions, defrauded an election, and his crimes (for which he pled guilty) warrant more than a three-month sentence,” LaLota said. “He should devote the rest of his life to demonstrating remorse and making restitution to those he wronged.”
George Santos didn’t merely lie — he stole millions, defrauded an election, and his crimes (for which he pled guilty) warrant more than a three-month sentence. He should devote the rest of his life to demonstrating remorse and making restitution to those he wronged.
— Nick LaLota 🗽💪🇺🇸🫡 (@nicklalota) October 17, 2025
The commutation effectively ends Santos’s 87-month prison term.
Nicholas Esposito contributed to this report.
Top photo: Taken by Andrew Harnik/AP
