October 18, 2025 08:33 AM IST
First published on: Oct 18, 2025 at 08:33 AM IST
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During his campaign, Santos falsely claimed he had attended New York University, worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, and that his grandparents had escaped the Nazis during World War II. (AP Photo)
Former Republican Congressman George Santos, who won office by fabricating key details of his biography and later went to prison for fraud, received clemency from US President Donald Trump on Friday. “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,” Trump wrote on social media. “Good luck George, have a great life!”
Trump said Santos had been “horribly mistreated” in prison.
Santos, who was expelled from the Congress following a brief and scandal-filled tenure, had pleaded guilty to exaggerating fundraising numbers and falsifying donor names to secure Republican Party financial backing during the 2022 election cycle. He was elected that year to represent part of New York City and its eastern suburbs.
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During his campaign, Santos falsely claimed he had attended New York University, worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, and that his grandparents had escaped the Nazis during World War II.
Here’s a timeline of his rise, fall, and eventual clemency:
Early controversies
Nov 8, 2022: Santos defeats Democrat Robert Zimmerman in a congressional race, marking the first known contest between two openly gay candidates. The district covers parts of New York City and Long Island suburbs.
Dec 19, 2022: The New York Times questions Santos’ résumé and personal claims.
Dec 26, 2022: Santos admits to fabricating parts of his biography, including degrees from Baruch College and work at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. He also said he never claimed to be Jewish, only “Jew-ish.”
Dec 28, 2022: Nassau County prosecutors launch an investigation into Santos.
Congressional tenure
Jan 2023: Santos is sworn in, amid questions about campaign financing.
Jan 31, 2023: He resigns from congressional committees but refuses to step down.
Feb 2023: Past charges of stealing puppies in Pennsylvania surface; the case had been dismissed.
March 2, 2023: The House Ethics Committee opens an investigation into Santos.
Indictments
May 10, 2023: Santos is indicted on federal charges of stealing from donors, collecting undeserved unemployment, and lying to Congress; he pleads not guilty.
Oct 10, 2023: New indictment accuses him of stealing donors’ IDs and misusing credit cards; Santos pleads not guilty.
Nov 16, 2023: The House Ethics Committee concludes he “cannot be trusted,” citing “overwhelming evidence” of lawbreaking.
Dec 1, 2023: Santos is expelled by the House, with 311 votes in favor and 114 against.
Post-Congress activities
Dec 2023: Santos offers personalised Cameo videos for up to $200.
Feb 2024: He sues late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, claiming misuse of his Cameo videos.
April 23, 2024: Santos drops his independent congressional bid after reporting no fundraising.
Guilty plea, sentencing, and clemency
Aug 19, 2024:Santos pleads guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, expressing “deep regret,” reported AP. The judge dismisses his Kimmel lawsuit, citing fair use.
April 25, 2025: He is sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison.
July 25, 2025: Santos reports to the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey.
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During his campaign, Santos falsely claimed he had attended New York University, worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, and that his grandparents had escaped the Nazis during World War II. (AP Photo) 
