WASHINGON — Presidential Commutation for George Santos

On Friday, President Trump commuted the seven-year sentence of former Republican Representative George Santos, known for his numerous deceptions. Citing “horrific” treatment by the Bureau of Prisons, Trump argued that Santos’ wrongdoings were less severe than the fabrications made by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

In a post on Truth Social later in the day, the president wrote about Santos’ difficult time in solitary confinement. “George has endured horrific abuse,” he stated. “That’s why I just signed a commutation that will release him from prison immediately. Best of luck, George; live a great life!”

Santos, now 36, pleaded guilty in August to charges of federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. During his sentencing, he was visibly emotional. He had swindled campaign donors during his 2022 run by misrepresenting the number of contributors, using relatives’ and friends’ names to inflate figures.

In Trump’s post, he characterized Santos as a “thug” but posited that many in the country, perhaps even worse offenders, shouldn’t face such long prison terms. Curiously, he mentioned Blumenthal while comparing their cases.

Trump went on, reminiscing about Blumenthal’s long-standing claims of being a Vietnam veteran, saying, “He boasted for years about experiencing the worst of the war, only to reveal he never set foot in Vietnam. His supposed heroism? Complete deception.”

Trump concluded, “What Santos did is minor in comparison. He always had the guts to vote Republican!”

As of now, the Bureau of Prisons has not provided commentary on the situation.