Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., just walked out of prison, thanks to a presidential lifeline, but the legal storm might not be over yet.
ABC News reported that Santos, once a rising star in Congress, was expelled from the House, convicted of fraud, sentenced to seven years, and then dramatically freed last week after President Donald Trump commuted his entire sentence to time served.
Let’s rewind to the beginning of this saga, where Santos found himself in hot water for deception, fraud, and misleading Congress—charges serious enough to land him an 87-month sentence, the maximum penalty, back in April at the Central Islip Federal Courthouse in New York.
That guilty plea in April wasn’t just a slap on the wrist; it came with two years of supervised release tacked on, signaling the court’s intent to keep a tight leash on the disgraced politician.
Fast forward to just three months into his sentence, and boom—Trump steps in with a full commutation, wiping out not just the remaining prison time but also any fines, restitution, or probation conditions.
The clemency grant, publicized by U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin on social media, had Santos out the door before 11 p.m. on a Friday night, picked up by family as confirmed by his lawyer, Joe Murray.
Trump himself chimed in, lauding Santos as someone who “had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!”
Well, Mr. President, loyalty to the party line is one thing, but let’s not forget the laundry list of fraud charges that got Santos behind bars in the first place—voting red doesn’t erase a rap sheet.
Still, you’ve got to wonder if this commutation is a nod to standing by those who stick to conservative principles, even when their personal choices raise eyebrows in a culture obsessed with canceling anyone who steps out of line.
But don’t pop the champagne for Santos just yet—while federal charges are off the table, Nassau County, part of the district he once represented, might still have something up its sleeve.
The district attorney’s office there, led by Anne Donnelly, stayed tight-lipped about any ongoing probes or potential state-level prosecutions, leaving room for speculation about what’s next for the ex-congressman.
Donnelly did offer a glimpse into her stance, stating, “Since first learning of George Santos’ actions, I have been at the forefront of bringing him to justice.”
She added, “I am proud of the work my office has done, and the conviction achieved in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s office.”
That’s a prosecutor who’s not backing down, and while she won’t spill the beans on active cases, her focus on rooting out political corruption—regardless of party—sends a clear message that Santos isn’t out of the woods.