Former New York Congressman George Santos says he’s a changed man after being released from prison — and he’s giving credit to both God and President Donald Trump for his “second chance.”

Santos, who was serving a seven-year sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in New Jersey, was granted an unexpected commutation by President Trump. The president ordered Santos’ immediate release, citing what he called “horrible mistreatment” and “an overly harsh sentence.”

“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 Truth Social. “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.”

Appearing on Fox & Friends Weekend after his release, Santos described the moment as both humbling and spiritual.

“I have a lot to prove to a lot of people, and I have to make sure President Trump understands that I am not going to disappoint him,” Santos said. “This is my second chance.”

Faith Rediscovered Behind Bars

Santos revealed that during his 41 days in solitary confinement, he was denied access to a Bible and a rosary. But even without those items, he said the isolation brought him back to God.

“I connected with God, I reconnected myself, I started praying in such a profound way,” Santos said. “I discovered there’s a visiting Catholic priest who comes every Thursday, and I started attending Mass whenever I could.”

He shared that just before his release, he had what he described as a “divine encounter.” On the day before being freed, Santos said he attended confession and received the Eucharist.

“One hundred percent, the day before,” he recalled. “Plenty of witnesses who were at that Mass with me. I saw it as a sign from God that my release came the next day.”

Santos said the experience renewed his faith and gave him clarity on what he wants to do with his life going forward.

A Commitment to Reform

When asked about his plans after release, Santos said he intends to focus on helping others who have faced harsh conditions behind bars.

“When I spoke to President Trump yesterday, I told him my commitment would be to prison reform,” Santos said. “I know what it’s like to be in that system. I know what it’s like to lose everything. But God used that time to wake me up.”

Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023 after multiple scandals and criminal charges, acknowledged he has “a lot to prove” to both his supporters and critics.

“I’ve made mistakes,” he said. “But I believe God gives us second chances for a reason. This time, I intend to use mine for good.”

Though Santos’ release has reignited debate about presidential clemency and political loyalty, his personal testimony of rediscovered faith stands out as a reminder of redemption and grace — themes at the heart of the Christian message.

As Santos put it, “When I was sitting in that cell, I realized no matter how far you fall, God can still find you there.”