By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | October 2025
Former President Donald Trump on Friday commuted the 87-month prison sentence of ex-congressman George Santos, citing what he called “horrible mistreatment.” Santos, who was convicted of wire fraud and identity theft, was ordered released immediately.
“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our country who aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Therefore, I just signed a commutation, releasing George Santos from prison IMMEDIATELY.”
Santos had pleaded guilty to falsifying campaign donations and inflating fundraising totals during his 2022 campaign. His brief congressional career was riddled with scandals and fabrications about his education, career, and heritage.
In a post earlier this week, Santos made what he called a “passionate plea” to Trump, asking for “the opportunity to return to my family, my friends, and my community.”
Trump’s action follows a pattern of high-profile clemency orders during his second term. On his first day back in office, he pardoned over 1,500 individuals charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Read Trump’s full post and clemency statement on Truth Social.
(Source: Reuters, Truth Social, Washington Post)
