President Donald Trump on Friday commuted the prison sentence of former Republican Congressman George Santos, who had served less than three months of a seven-year term for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The decision marked another instance of Trump granting clemency to allies while facing criticism for targeting political opponents.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Santos as “somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our Country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison.” He later turned his attention to Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), accusing him of fabricating his military service during the Vietnam War. Blumenthal, who was stationed stateside during the conflict, has been criticized by Trump, who himself avoided military service and has been referred to as “Capt. Bone Spurs.”
“This is what a wannabe king does,” Trump said, adding that Blumenthal “never went to Vietnam, he never saw Vietnam, he never experienced the Battles there, or anywhere else.” He claimed Blumenthal’s military service was “totally and completely MADE UP.” Trump contrasted this with Santos, whom he praised for “always voting Republican” and alleged had faced harsh treatment in prison.
Santos was released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, after 10:00 p.m. on Friday. According to a commutation document shared online, he will no longer be required to pay $370,000 in court-ordered restitution to victims of his fraud. However, the commutation did not erase his conviction.
Santos, 37, had previously faced intense scrutiny over false claims about his background, including his education, employment, family, religion, residence, and net worth. In December 2023, he was expelled from the House of Representatives following a vote of 311 to 114, making him the sixth member ever removed from Congress. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts in August 2024 and was sentenced to 87 months in prison, along with nearly $600,000 in restitution and forfeiture.
Trump’s commutation of Santos’ sentence comes amid a pattern of controversial clemency actions. Earlier this year, the president issued a blanket pardon to more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. Trump, who faces multiple criminal charges himself, was impeached twice but was not convicted by the Senate.
The move also contrasts with recent indictments of political adversaries, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. Critics have condemned the perceived partisan nature of these actions.
Congressman Don Beyer (D-Va.) called the commutation an example of “naked corruption,” arguing that Trump appears to prioritize loyalty over justice. “Crimes don’t count if you ‘vote Republican,'” Beyer wrote on social media. “Just like his pardons of those who violently attacked police.”
Neama Rahmani, president of the West Coast Trial Lawyers, compared Trump’s clemency to handing out “Halloween candy.” He suggested that the timing—on a Friday night—was designed to minimize media attention. “I can’t wait for Santos’ first cameo appearance post-federal prison. Is Diddy the next recipient of Trump’s clemency?” he added.
Congressman Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) echoed similar sentiments, writing on X: “This is what a wannabe king does.” He encouraged participation in a nationwide “No Kings” rally scheduled for the following day, which will feature over 2,700 pro-democracy demonstrations across the U.S. and globally.
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