Trump commutes George Santos’s 7-year prison sentence for fraud
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US President Donald Trump commutes former Representative George Santos’s prison sentence for fraud and identity theft, ordering his immediate release and calling him a “rogue” on Truth Social.
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Then Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., watches as Republicans try to elect Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to be the new House speaker, at the Capitol in Washington, on October 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
US President Donald Trump on Friday commuted former Representative George Santos’s sentence, ordering his immediate release from prison after serving time for fraud and identity theft.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said, "George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our country who aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison. Therefore, I just signed a commutation, releasing George Santos from prison immediately."
Santos, who had been serving a more than seven-year prison sentence for a series of fraud-related charges, including identity theft, was taken into federal custody earlier this year following a high-profile trial. His case gained national attention due to the nature of the charges and his controversial political history.
The commutation by Donald Trump comes amid broader discussions about sentencing reform and the selective use of presidential clemency powers. While Trump did not offer a full pardon, the sentence reduction will allow Santos to walk free immediately.
The White House has not issued an official comment beyond the Truth Social post. The decision is expected to spark political debate, particularly given Santos’s prior expulsion from Congress and the seriousness of the charges he faced.
Santos sentenced to seven years for campaign fraud
Santos, 36, was sentenced to 87 months in prison, where he sobbed in court while calling himself “humbled” and “chastised” as he acknowledged betraying the trust of his constituents, having pleaded guilty last summer to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and appealed for leniency in hopes of a lighter sentence.
The 35-year-old politician was on trial for several federal charges, including theft, credit card fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.
He admitted to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of nearly a dozen individuals, including members of his own family, to finance his successful campaign, while also fabricating elaborate stories about his background, identity, and life experiences.
Previously, the controversial figure was revealed to have used donor money on vacations, luxury items, Botox treatments, and subscriptions to an adult website without regard for legal or ethical boundaries.
