Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is petitioning President Donald Trump to commute the sentence of disgraced former Republican Congressman George Santos of New York.
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment Monday night.
Why It Matters
Santos was convicted of 23 felony counts, prompting widespread scrutiny over the handling and consequences of political corruption cases. The former Republican congressman pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison on April 25. He started serving his time on July 25 in Fairton, New Jersey.
Greene’s public appeal also tests the norms regarding pardons and commuted sentences for former lawmakers and raises questions about equal treatment under federal law.
Federal prosecutors involved in the case described the conviction and sentence as a victory for public accountability. U.S. Attorney John Durham called it “judgment day” and said the outcome reflected justice for the victims. FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia argued Santos betrayed “the public’s trust” and violated “our democratic systems,” pointing to the case as an example of the consequences for undermining public office.
What To Know
Greene took to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday announcing her request to Trump: “🚨BREAKING: I just sent a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney urging President Trump to commute the sentence of former Congressman @MrSantosNY. A 7-year prison sentence for campaign-related charges is excessive, especially when Members of Congress who’ve done far worse still walk free.
“George Santos has taken responsibility. He’s shown remorse. It’s time to correct this injustice. We must demand equal justice under the law! Read my letter 👇,” Greene said.
The Georgia lawmaker’s letter added in part that “Commuting his sentence would acknowledge the severity of his actions and simultaneously provide a path forward in allowing him to make amends for his crimes and strive to better serve the people in his community.”
Trump was asked last week about potentially pardoning Santos by Newsmax’s Rob Finnerty, and he said in part, “He lied like hell, I have to tell you, and I didn’t know him, but he was 100% for Trump.” The president added that “nobody has talked to” him about the idea of a pardon.
What People Are Saying
Santos on X in July: “Well, darlings… The curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed. From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news what a ride it’s been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried… most days. To my supporters: You made this wild political cabaret worth it. To my critics: Thanks for the free press. I may be leaving the stage (for now), but trust me legends never truly exit. 💋🇺🇸✨ Forever fabulously yours, George”
IRS: Criminal Investigation New York Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. in an April news release: “George Santos blatantly disregarded campaign finance laws and abused the trust of his constituents and contributors. While he may have made a mockery of his position in public office, today’s sentencing is justice for those he has wronged. CI New York proudly worked with the Eastern District of New York, the FBI and Nassau County DA’s office to ensure that Santos faces the consequences of his years of deception.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether Trump will act on Greene’s request. The Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney will review and forward recommendations, but the final decision rests with the president.
If a commutation or pardon is granted, it could set a precedent for cases involving campaign finance violations and spark additional debate regarding the use of presidential clemency for political figures.
Update 8/4/25, 10:12 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
