Trump commutes Santos sentence, ending 87-month federal prison term

Former President Donald Trump on Friday commuted the sentence of former U.S. Representative George Santos, ending an 87-month federal prison term and prompting the former New York congressman to be released late that night from the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey. Santos, 37, had begun serving the sentence in July after pleading guilty last year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to schemes that prosecutors say involved stealing donors identities and using funds for personal expenses.

Trump announced the commutation on his social media platform, writing, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY, and adding, Good luck George, have a great life. The president said his decision was influenced in part by reports that Santos had been mistreated in prison, including periods in solitary confinement, and praised Santos loyalty to the Republican Party.

Santos reported to the New Jersey facility in late July and served roughly 84 days before his release. His lawyer, Joseph Murray, confirmed the release and described the commutation as correcting a great injustice. A copy of the commutation order posted by the...