Former U.S. Representative George Santos, who had been serving a prison sentence for fraud and identity theft, will have his sentence commuted by President Donald Trump, the White House confirmed on Friday. Santos, who had been held in solitary confinement, became a focal point of political controversy following revelations about his personal and professional conduct.

Trump’s Statement on Santos

President Trump acknowledged Santos’ past mistakes in a social media post on Truth Social but highlighted his loyalty to the Republican Party. “George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue,’ but there are many rogues throughout our Country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison,” Trump wrote.

The president also emphasized that Santos had been “horribly mistreated,” pointing to the former lawmaker’s extended periods in solitary confinement. “George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time,” Trump added.

Santos’ Rise and Fall in Politics

George Santos gained national attention in 2022 after flipping New York’s 3rd Congressional District from Democratic to Republican control. His election was notable as one of the first instances of an openly gay Republican winning a House seat.

However, shortly after his victory, media investigations revealed that Santos had fabricated significant portions of his life story. By December 2022, federal authorities began probing his business dealings and campaign activities.

A congressional committee later found evidence of federal law violations, including deceiving donors and misappropriating campaign funds. The House of Representatives voted to expel Santos, less than a year into his term. In 2024, he entered a plea deal with federal prosecutors and was sentenced in April for misleading donors and members of his own family.

The Case for Commutation

Santos and his supporters argued that his punishment was politically motivated, emphasizing his loyalty to the Republican Party and to Trump personally. He repeatedly requested that the president intervene, citing the harsh conditions of his confinement.

Since his incarceration at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, starting July 25, Santos has written columns describing his experience in solitary confinement. “I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking to be treated as a person – with attention, dignity, and the care any human deserves when in distress,” he wrote.

Santos’ supporters also highlighted the mental health risks associated with prolonged solitary confinement, which has been criticized as a form of “cruel and unusual punishment” in certain cases.

Trump’s Use of Presidential Clemency

Trump has frequently used presidential pardons and commutations for political allies. At the start of his current term, he controversially pardoned nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, which sought to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

The commutation of Santos’ sentence continues this pattern of clemency for supporters, underscoring the president’s strategy of protecting allies and rewarding loyalty.

Reactions and Next Steps

The move has sparked debate over the limits of presidential clemency, the fairness of the criminal justice system, and the ethical considerations of solitary confinement. With his sentence commuted, Santos is expected to be released from prison and reunite with his family, though critics warn this decision could further polarize political discourse.