ScriptSkunk
Well-known member
President Trump has granted a surprise commutation to former US Representative George Santos, effectively reducing his 87-month prison sentence to zero.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Santos as "a rogue" and a "Great Hero", adding that the young politician had been subjected to "horrible mistreatment" in solitary confinement. The President's decision comes after weeks of public pressure from supporters who argued that Santos' punishment was excessive.
Santos, 37, is currently serving his sentence at a federal prison in New Jersey, where he has spent long stretches in isolation. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft earlier this year, admitting to using campaign funds for personal expenses including luxury items and online subscriptions.
Trump's decision to commute Santos' sentence was reportedly influenced by the "hearing" from numerous people on his behalf, according to a senior White House official. The President has made it clear that he believes Santos should be released from prison as soon as possible, with Trump saying "Good luck George, have a great life!"
Santos' lawyer hailed the commutation as a "great mercy", stating that his client's original sentence was "draconian". Despite this, many will view Trump's decision to commute Santos' sentence as a highly unusual move, especially given the severity of the charges against him.
The commutation is likely to spark further controversy and debate over Trump's handling of the case, with some questioning whether he has compromised his own moral authority by intervening in a high-profile prosecution.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Santos as "a rogue" and a "Great Hero", adding that the young politician had been subjected to "horrible mistreatment" in solitary confinement. The President's decision comes after weeks of public pressure from supporters who argued that Santos' punishment was excessive.
Santos, 37, is currently serving his sentence at a federal prison in New Jersey, where he has spent long stretches in isolation. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft earlier this year, admitting to using campaign funds for personal expenses including luxury items and online subscriptions.
Trump's decision to commute Santos' sentence was reportedly influenced by the "hearing" from numerous people on his behalf, according to a senior White House official. The President has made it clear that he believes Santos should be released from prison as soon as possible, with Trump saying "Good luck George, have a great life!"
Santos' lawyer hailed the commutation as a "great mercy", stating that his client's original sentence was "draconian". Despite this, many will view Trump's decision to commute Santos' sentence as a highly unusual move, especially given the severity of the charges against him.
The commutation is likely to spark further controversy and debate over Trump's handling of the case, with some questioning whether he has compromised his own moral authority by intervening in a high-profile prosecution.
... I mean, 87 months down the drain because of politics? It just goes to show how far down the rabbit hole our system can go when it comes to power struggles and personal loyalty vs accountability. And what's with the 'Great Hero' label from Trump? Does that count as a get-out-of-jail-free card now? 
The fact that Santos was being held in solitary confinement for months just highlights how broken the system is - it's not even about rehabilitation, it's just punishment for punishment's sake. And what's next? Is this going to start a whole new trend of commutations and pardons based on who you know or who has an ear at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave? 
. And now Trump is just handing him a free pass because his supporters are whining about it? Sorry George, but you can't spin your way out of this one 
. I'm so sick of people getting special treatment just because they're friends with someone who's got juice 
. The commutation is gonna be a total disaster, mark my words!
i mean Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft, like, biggie 
but hey commutations are part of the job for presidents, right? 
Trump said he felt sorry for Santos, being in solitary confinement and all, but some ppl might see it as him trying 2 cover his own behind 
anyway, only time will tell how this plays out 
. It's like Trump thinks the law doesn't apply to him or something 
. And what's with all these people saying Santos got "horrible mistreatment" in solitary confinement? Have you seen that place? It's not like he was living in a luxury resort, just some standard issue federal prison cell 
. Anyway, this whole thing is just another example of Trump being Trump...
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