President Donald Trump, over objections from some Republicans, has decided to commute the prison sentence of ex-U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY). 

Santos, according to the New York Post, gave thanks on Saturday.

He did so just after being released from prison.

Yesterday, I was given something I never thought I’d have again: a true second chance at life. A chance to grow, to change, and to walk a better path.

First and foremost, I want to thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for never abandoning me. I’m far from perfect. I’ve made…

— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) October 18, 2025

Trump's commutation

The president took to social media to explain his decision to commute Santos' 87-month sentence for campaign-related wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The president wrote:

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. I started to think about George when the subject of Democrat Senator Richard “Da Nang Dick” Blumenthal came up again. As everyone remembers, “Da Nang” stated for almost twenty years that he was a proud Vietnam Veteran, having endured the worst of the War, watching the Wounded and Dead as he raced up the hills and down the valleys, blood streaming from his face. He was “a Great Hero,” he would leak to any and all who would listen — And then it happened! He was a COMPLETE AND TOTAL FRAUD. He never went to Vietnam, he never saw Vietnam, he never experienced the Battles there, or anywhere else. His War Hero status, and even minimal service in our Military, was totally and completely MADE UP.

Trump went on to argue, "This is far worse than what George Santos did."

The president continued:

[A]t least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN! George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated. Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY.

"Good luck, George, have a great life!" Trump concluded.

Santos responds

It was just hours after Trump's commutation that Santos was released from prison, and it would appear that he spent a good deal of his time writing a lengthy social media post expressing his gratitude.

In it, he expressly thanked Trump, writing:

I also want to express my deepest gratitude to President Donald J. Trump. Earlier today, I had the honor of speaking with him personally, a conversation I will never forget. In that moment, I saw not only the strength of a great leader, but the heart of a man who believes in mercy, in redemption, and in the promise that America gives everyone, the promise of a second chance. His kindness, his humanity, and his generosity toward my family and me touched me deeply. President Trump reminded me that in this country we love so much, no mistake, no hardship, and no fall from grace can take away the possibility of renewal. His faith in second chances reignited my own, and for that, I will be forever thankful.

Santos went on to write that he is "dedicating himself to doing good."

He wrote:

My focus will be on prison reform and accountability, ensuring that those in power uphold the dignity and humanity of every person in their care. No one should ever be dehumanized or degraded like I was by the FCI Fariton Warden Kelly and Assistant Warden Nobile.

"Yes, I am back but I am back as a new man, ready to work and do good," Santos concluded.