Trump Commutes Sentence of Former Rep. George Santos

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has commuted the sentence of former U.S. Representative George Santos. Santos was serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of fraud and identity theft.

Santos, a New York Republican, was sentenced in April after admitting to deceiving donors and illicitly using the identities of 11 people, including members of his own family, to fund his campaign. He reported to the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, on July 25, where he was placed in a minimum-security prison camp with fewer than 50 other inmates.

“I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.

Santos’ commutation comes as a surprise, given the serious nature of his offenses. Trump’s decision has sparked reactions from various political corners, with supporters praising the move while critics express concern over the message it sends regarding accountability for financial crimes.

Details on whether Santos will re-enter political life have not yet been disclosed. He has been a controversial figure since his election, often making headlines for various scandals during his time in office.