Legal & Political Analysis - Former Congressman George Santos's prison sentence was commuted by President Trump after serving just over two months of a 7-year sentence [1] - Santos was initially sentenced for charges including fraud, ID theft, and money laundering [1][3] - The commutation, unlike a pardon, shortens the sentence but does not erase the conviction [6][7][9] - President Trump stated Santos had the courage, conviction, and intelligence to always vote Republican [4] - The decision followed appeals for clemency from Santos's friends and allies, and a letter from Santos himself [2][3] - Commutations and pardons are often controversial and typically occur towards the end of a presidency [11][12] Executive Clemency - A commutation opens the prison cell doors to allow Santos out [7] - The president has broad power to issue pardons or commutations [8][9] - The president chose commutation instead of pardon [9]