(NEW YORK) — Former Congressman George Santos was released from prison late Friday night after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence. Santos, 37, had been serving a seven-year term for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He was released just before 11 p.m. after spending less than three months in custody.

Santos learned of his commutation while in prison. According to reports, he was on a computer when fellow inmates alerted him that he was on television. He initially ignored them but later saw the news ticker stating, "Santos Sentence Commuted."

Trump announced the commutation on social media, describing Santos as a "somewhat of a 'rogue'" and stating that he had been mistreated during his time in solitary confinement. "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 wrote.

Santos was convicted in April 2024 and sentenced to 87 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges, including deceiving donors and stealing identities to fund his campaign. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to pay nearly $600,000 in restitution and forfeiture.

His attorney, Joseph Murray, confirmed that Santos was picked up by family members after his release. In a statement, Santos expressed gratitude to Trump and thanked several Republican lawmakers who advocated for his release, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert.

Santos's commutation has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers. Greene praised Trump for commuting Santos's sentence, claiming he was "unfairly treated and put in solitary confinement, which is torture!!" In contrast, some New York Republicans criticized the decision. Rep. Nick LaLota stated, "George Santos didn’t merely lie — he stole millions, defrauded an election, and his crimes warrant more than a three-month sentence."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the commutation, stating, "Donald Trump has time to free serial fraudster George Santos from prison. But he can’t be bothered to address the Republican healthcare crisis crushing working-class Americans."

Santos was expelled from Congress in December 2023, becoming one of only six lawmakers to be expelled from the House. His expulsion followed a report by the House Ethics Committee detailing numerous ethics violations and fraudulent activities during his brief tenure in office. Santos represented parts of Long Island and Queens before his legal troubles led to his ousting and subsequent imprisonment.

Following his release, Santos expressed his desire to return to his family and community, emphasizing his loyalty to Trump's agenda during his time in Congress. He had previously written a letter to Trump, asking for a second chance and expressing his commitment to the Republican Party's mission.

As Santos begins his life outside of prison, he remains a controversial figure within the political landscape, with ongoing discussions about the implications of his release and the nature of his crimes.