By Hank Russell
On October 17, President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of former U.S. Congressman George Santos after the disgraced politician spent one month in solitary confinement. Although Santos said he was happy to be released, those on both sides of the political aisle did not share his sentiments.
According to NBC News, Santos was sentenced to a federal prison in New Jersey for seven years for wire fraud and identity theft. The former elected official, who was known to tell fabrications about his life, used the money he raised for his campaign on personal expenses.
Democrats were quick to pounce on Trump’s decision. “Corruption is not ‘somewhat rogue’ behavior and should not be condoned,” U.S. Representative Laura Gillen (D-Garden City) posted on X. “Santos conned Long Islanders—innocent people lost thousands of dollars and voters were defrauded. Justice has not been served.”
Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) called Santos’ pardon “a perversion of justice that further corrodes the rule of law and undermines our democracy.”
Drucker also laid into Santos, calling him “a dangerous and unrepentant charlatan who stole vast sums from his campaign donors and fabricated just about everything about himself he claimed to be true – right down to lying about where he lived during his first run for Congress in 2020. His deceit was so profound that he was expelled from the House of Representatives before being convicted of numerous felonies and sentenced to nearly seven years in prison.”
Nicole Aloiso, the Democrat challenger for Nassau County District Attorney, called on GOP incumbent Anne Donnelly to investigate Santos. According to Aloiso, Donnelly paused an inquiry into Santos in 2023 when the U.S. Department of Justice took up the case. She said it is within Donnelly’s authority as DA to reopen the investigation to ensure that Santos is held accountable for his crimes.
“George Santos betrayed his constituents, defrauded his donors, and ripped off taxpayers. He must be held accountable,” Aloise said. “From NUMC to Matthew Bruderman, Anne Donnelly has a record of protecting corrupt political allies, but enough is enough, it’s time for her to break that pattern now. Santos was found guilty and put in jail. She swore to protect her constituents and uphold justice—it’s time she honors that oath.”
In response, Donnelly said, “Since first learning of George Santos’ actions, I have been at the forefront of bringing him to justice. I am proud of the work my office has done, and the conviction achieved in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s office. While the office cannot comment on ongoing investigations, suffice it to say that I remain focused on prosecuting political corruption wherever it exists regardless of political affiliation.”
But it wasn’t just Democrats who blasted Santos’ pardon. Appearing on CNN on October 19 and posted on his social media account, U.S. Representative Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point) said, “George Santos is a distraction from the serious work President Trump and Republicans are doing at the border, in the economy, and overseas. Santos should be thankful for his freedom, show humility, and focus on making amends to those he wronged.”
Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue) told Newsday, “[Santos’ victims] still have not been made whole, including the people he stole from and the voters he defrauded…The less than three months that he spent in jail is not justice.”
Suffolk County GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia also weighed in. “The Suffolk County Republican Committee and its elected officials were united in calling for the expulsion of George Santos from Congress — and we stand by that decision today,” he said. “His criminal conduct, blatant breach of public trust, and behavior unbecoming of an elected official demanded nothing less.”
Garcia called Santos’ actions “deliberate, premeditated crimes. Santos stole millions,” adding the former politician “defrauded voters, and betrayed the public trust — ultimately pleading guilty in open court. For offenses of this magnitude, true accountability requires more than a brief four-month stay behind bars
“As Republicans, we believe integrity and personal responsibility are the bedrock of public service,” Garcia continued. “Corruption — from any party, at any level — cannot and will not be excused.