In a surprise move, President Donald Trump has commuted former Rep. George Santos' prison sentence, releasing him from solitary confinement "IMMEDIATELY". Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Friday evening, calling Santos a "rogue" but also a "Great Hero".
Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for wire fraud, money laundering, and theft after pleading guilty to these charges. He began serving his sentence in New Jersey this July, following a tumultuous career that ended with him being voted out of Congress in December 2023.
The reasons behind Trump's decision are unclear, but it is believed he was influenced by pleas from supporters who argued Santos had been unfairly targeted and mistreated during the prosecution. A senior White House official confirmed the president made the call after hearing from numerous people in recent days, stating it was his decision to make.
Santos' legal team described the sentence as "draconian", while also expressing gratitude for Trump's "compassion" in seeing Santos through the ordeal. However, Santos still faces a long road ahead of him, having been accused of misusing campaign funds for personal reasons including luxury items and subscriptions.
This development marks a significant turning point in the Santos case, raising questions about accountability and justice in the wake of his shocking crimes.
Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for wire fraud, money laundering, and theft after pleading guilty to these charges. He began serving his sentence in New Jersey this July, following a tumultuous career that ended with him being voted out of Congress in December 2023.
The reasons behind Trump's decision are unclear, but it is believed he was influenced by pleas from supporters who argued Santos had been unfairly targeted and mistreated during the prosecution. A senior White House official confirmed the president made the call after hearing from numerous people in recent days, stating it was his decision to make.
Santos' legal team described the sentence as "draconian", while also expressing gratitude for Trump's "compassion" in seeing Santos through the ordeal. However, Santos still faces a long road ahead of him, having been accused of misusing campaign funds for personal reasons including luxury items and subscriptions.
This development marks a significant turning point in the Santos case, raising questions about accountability and justice in the wake of his shocking crimes.