President Donald Trump has commuted the federal jail sentence of former U.S. Congressman George Santos, a controversial transfer that instantly sparked political backlash and renewed debate over Trump’s use of presidential clemency.
Santos, who was serving an 87-month sentence for wire fraud and aggravated id theft, will now be launched early after Trump signed the commutation order on Friday. Santos entered federal custody in July at FCI Fairton in New Jersey following his conviction, which stemmed from schemes that included defrauding political donors and illegally receiving unemployment advantages.
In an announcement posted to Truth Social, Trump acknowledged Santos was a “rogue” determine, however praised his political allegiance.
“At least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN! George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated,” Trump wrote.
Trump claimed the choice was additionally influenced by what he known as double requirements in Washington. He in contrast Santos’ crimes to previous deceptive statements by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who as soon as falsely implied he served in fight in the course of the Vietnam War earlier than later apologizing and saying he had misspoken. Trump has lied about Blumenthal repeatedly, drastically exaggerating the extent of the Senator’s misstatements.
Trump argued Blumenthal confronted no authorized penalties for his actions, calling them “far worse than what George Santos did.”
Santos had expressed worry for his security behind bars shortly after arriving on the New Jersey facility, stating publicly that he apprehensive about being assaulted and even killed in jail however emphasised he was “not suicidal.”
As of Friday night, the Bureau of Prisons confirmed Santos remained in custody, and it stays unclear when precisely he shall be launched. The commutation spares Santos the rest of his jail time period, nevertheless it doesn’t erase his felony conviction.
Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives in December 2023 following mounting ethics scandals, has not but issued a public assertion in response to Trump’s determination. The White House has not commented on whether or not further commutations or pardons are anticipated within the coming weeks.