Trump Commutes Prison Sentence of Former Congressman George Santos After Fraud Conviction

George Santos has become only the third individual expelled from the U.S. Congress since the American Civil War. (File)

United States:

President Donald Trump announced Friday his decision to commute the prison sentence of former Republican congressman George Santos, who was convicted of wire fraud and identity theft. Santos had misappropriated campaign donations to fund personal luxuries including extravagant vacations and cosmetic procedures.

In an extensive statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, "George has experienced prolonged periods in solitary confinement and has reportedly suffered terrible mistreatment."

The president added, "At the very least, Santos demonstrated the Courage, Conviction and Intelligence to CONSISTENTLY VOTE WITH REPUBLICANS."

"Therefore, I have signed a Commutation, ordering George Santos's IMMEDIATE release from incarceration," Trump continued.

Unlike a presidential pardon, a commutation maintains the original conviction while reducing or eliminating the imposed sentence.

The 37-year-old former New York representative began serving his prison term in July after receiving a sentence of seven years and three months in April. His convictions included stealing campaign contributors' identities and fraudulently using their credit cards, among other criminal charges.

An investigation by a congressional ethics committee uncovered Santos's misuse of misappropriated funds for cosmetic treatments, subscriptions to the OnlyFans adult content platform, high-end Italian merchandise, and vacations to premium destinations including the Hamptons and Las Vegas.

Santos became notorious for fabricating significant portions of his background, falsely claiming employment at Goldman Sachs, Jewish heritage, and collegiate volleyball achievements.

The House of Representatives expelled him in 2023, just one year after his election to office. This rare congressional action made Santos only the third lawmaker to be removed since the Civil War—a severe punishment previously reserved for traitors and individuals with criminal convictions.