President Trump Commutes George Santos' Prison Sentence Amid Allege of MisTreatment.
In a surprise move, President Trump announced on Friday that he has commuted the prison sentence of former New York Republican Congressman George Santos, who was serving over seven years for wire fraud and identity theft charges. According to the president's statement, Santos had been "horribly mistreated" in prison and would be released immediately.
Santos surrendered himself to a federal prison in New Jersey on July 25 to start serving his sentence after pleading guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud and identity theft. The former congressman was sentenced to 87 months in prison, with an additional fine of $373,949.97 to pay for restitution.
Trump's decision has been met with criticism from some lawmakers who argue that Santos' crimes warrant harsher punishment. Rep. Nick LaLota called Santos "an embarrassment" and argued that he should have stayed in prison longer. Others, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and former Congressman Matt Gaetz, expressed support for Trump's decision.
Santos' attorney, Joseph Murray, praised the president for showing compassion towards his client, who had been held in solitary confinement due to threats against his life. "I am forever grateful to President Trump for seeing the human side of the suffering that Congressman Santos went through," Murray said in a statement.
The commutation does not constitute a pardon, meaning that Santos' record will still reflect his conviction and sentence. However, it marks a surprise reversal by Trump, who had previously expressed support for Santos' prosecution. The decision raises questions about Trump's use of executive power and his willingness to intervene on behalf of prominent Republicans facing legal challenges.
In a surprise move, President Trump announced on Friday that he has commuted the prison sentence of former New York Republican Congressman George Santos, who was serving over seven years for wire fraud and identity theft charges. According to the president's statement, Santos had been "horribly mistreated" in prison and would be released immediately.
Santos surrendered himself to a federal prison in New Jersey on July 25 to start serving his sentence after pleading guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud and identity theft. The former congressman was sentenced to 87 months in prison, with an additional fine of $373,949.97 to pay for restitution.
Trump's decision has been met with criticism from some lawmakers who argue that Santos' crimes warrant harsher punishment. Rep. Nick LaLota called Santos "an embarrassment" and argued that he should have stayed in prison longer. Others, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and former Congressman Matt Gaetz, expressed support for Trump's decision.
Santos' attorney, Joseph Murray, praised the president for showing compassion towards his client, who had been held in solitary confinement due to threats against his life. "I am forever grateful to President Trump for seeing the human side of the suffering that Congressman Santos went through," Murray said in a statement.
The commutation does not constitute a pardon, meaning that Santos' record will still reflect his conviction and sentence. However, it marks a surprise reversal by Trump, who had previously expressed support for Santos' prosecution. The decision raises questions about Trump's use of executive power and his willingness to intervene on behalf of prominent Republicans facing legal challenges.
... feels like there's more to the story than what we're seeing right now 
... cant help but wonder if trumps decision is just a PR move or actually about doing some good 
... also, gotta ask, 87 months for wire fraud? seems like its not as harsh as it sounds 
... anyway, think trump's actions are gonna have major repercussions on how ppl view his legacy 
On the other hand, I do feel bad for the guy - solitary confinement is no joke... but at the same time, you gotta respect the law. This whole thing just raises more questions about Trump's role as president and how he uses his power to help out his buddies... 
Can't believe Trump is more concerned with being nice to his buddies than doing what's right. Santos got away scot-free, but the people who actually suffered from his crimes are still stuck with the bill 
like whats going on with trump right now?? he just commuted george santos prison sentence outta nowhere?!?! i mean i get it sanitos wasnt treated so good in there and all but like 7 yrs is a pretty big deal dont @ me. i love trump tho idk wut else to say lol. i think its kinda cool that hes showing compassion 2 his ppl. cant wait 2 c how this all plays out
so trump does this outta the blue... george santos gets 7+ yrs in prison but then trump is like "oh wait, he got mistreated"