President Donald Trump has granted clemency to George Santos, the former New York Congressman embroiled in controversy over fabricated personal details and misused campaign funds. Santos, who had been serving a seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft, had completed less than three months of his term when the President announced the commutation via social media on Friday evening.

Trump’s decision was influenced by what he described as Santos' significant political support and the harsh conditions of his imprisonment, including prolonged periods in solitary confinement. "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 stated on his Truth Social account. He emphasized that Santos had been "horribly mistreated" and thus warranted immediate release.

In April, U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert sentenced Santos, denouncing him as "an arrogant fraudster" who exploited the trust of voters, donors, and colleagues. During the sentencing, a remorseful Santos addressed the court, acknowledging his betrayal and the misuse of his position.

Santos admitted to a variety of fraudulent activities, including using campaign funds for personal luxuries like stays at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas and shopping at high-end stores such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton. He also confessed to stealing the identities and funds of vulnerable campaign donors.

Moreover, Santos was notorious for numerous falsehoods about his background, which were exposed during his criminal trial and a separate congressional investigation. Among these was the false claim that his mother died during the September 11 attacks.

The commutation followed persistent appeals for clemency from Santos and his allies, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had formally requested the Department of Justice to consider his early release.

In justifying the commutation, Trump also drew comparisons between Santos and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who faced criticism for misrepresenting his military service. Trump argued that Santos, despite his faults, consistently supported Republican values, contrasting him with his critics.

The decision has sparked a flurry of reactions, highlighting the ongoing debate over political loyalty, justice, and the use of presidential clemency powers.