george santos: Who is George Santos, what did he do and can he run for office again? Here’s why is he making headlines and his letter to US President Donald Trump
Who is George Santos, what has he done and can he run again?
President Donald Trump announced on October 18, 2025, that he commuted the sentence of former U.S. Representative George Santos, immediately releasing him from federal prison. Santos, a Republican from New York, spent more than seven years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Trump Commutes George Santos’ Sentence
Trump shared the news on social media platform Truth Social, calling Santos “kind of a thug.” He said many people commit crimes without facing long prison sentences. Trump added: “At least Santos had the courage, conviction and intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!”
Trump also compared Santos to Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. He claimed Blumenthal lied that he served in the Vietnam War for almost 20 years, calling it a “total fraud.” Trump said Santos’ crimes were less serious than Blumenthal’s alleged misrepresentation.
The president emphasized that Santos had been subjected to harsh treatment in prison, including prolonged solitary confinement. Trump said the transition would be immediate and wished Santos “a great life.”
What Did George Santos Do?
George Santos was sentenced to 87 months in prison in April 2025. He pleaded guilty in 2024 to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos was ordered to pay $373,749.97 in restitution and $205,002.97 in liens. The crimes involved the use of electronic communications and personal information to deceive donors and commit financial fraud. Santos admitted that he stole the identities of 11 people, including his own family members, to donate to the campaign. Santos reported to the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, on July 25, 2025. He was held in a minimum security prison camp with fewer than 50 inmates. Before his return, he spent a long time in solitary confinement in the Special Housing Unit.
In a letter to President Trump, Santos described life in isolation as being “stuck in a small steel cage twenty-four hours a day.” He asked Trump for justice and a chance to rebuild his life.
Could George Santos Run Again?
Yes, George Santos can run for federal office again. This commutation does not expunge his conviction or restore his right to vote. But that doesn’t disqualify him under the U.S. Constitution or federal law.
The Constitution establishes only age, citizenship, and state residence requirements for members of Congress. Criminals are not expressly prohibited from running. Santos was expelled from the House in 2023 by a vote of 311 to 114, but voters can still re-elect expelled members. Historical precedent shows that some politicians return to office after being expelled.
Brazilian-born Santos could campaign for Congress in 2026. His expulsion is significant because no expelled House member has returned since 1861, but legally nothing prevents him from trying.
George Santos’ letter to US President Donald Trump
Before his sentence was commuted, George Santos wrote a personal letter to US President Donald Trump. In the letter, Santos described the harsh conditions of solitary confinement at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey. He said life in the Special Housing Unit felt like being trapped in a “little steel cage twenty-four hours a day” with minimal contact with the outside world.
Santos admitted he had made mistakes in the past but asked for justice and a chance to rebuild his life. He expressed his desire to return to his family and contribute to his community. In the letter, he wrote: “I don’t want understanding. I want justice, I want a chance to rebuild. I want nothing more than to start over, contribute, serve, and rebuild my life from the ashes of my past.”
This letter was sent two days before President Trump commuted Santos’ sentence. He noted the personal difficulties Santos faced in prison and may have influenced Trump’s decision to grant a commutation.
FAQ
What crimes did George Santos commit?
George Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, deceiving donors and stealing personal identities to commit campaign fraud.
Will the amendment allow Santos to run for Congress?
Yes, Santos can run for federal office. The commutation frees him from prison but does not expunge his conviction or his voting record.
