Summary
President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of former Representative George Santos, who was serving time for fraud. Santos is among several GOP lawmakers who received pardons or commutations from President Trump. The power to grant pardons and commutations is in the U.S. Constitution, specifically for federal crimes.
Key Facts
- President Trump commuted the sentence of former Congressman George Santos, who was imprisoned for fraud.
- Santos began his sentence in July 2025 and was set for 87 months but got out early.
- Santos was found guilty of wire fraud, identity theft, and campaign finance violations.
- Presidential pardons can only apply to federal offenses, while state crimes are handled by governors.
- Since taking office in 2024, Trump has issued numerous pardons and commutations to political allies and others.
- Pardons erase criminal penalties, while commutations reduce jail time but leave the conviction.
- Notable recipients of Trump's pardons and commutations include various GOP lawmakers and figures involved in January 6 events.
- Trump's use of pardons has sparked divided opinions, with supporters and critics expressing contrasting views.
