MTG calls on Trump to commute former colleague’s prison sentence

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is calling on the president to commute the sentence of a former colleague.

She formally submitted a request to the Office of the Pardon Attorney on Monday, asking President Donald Trump to consider commuting the 87-month sentence of former Congressman George Santos. Greene called the sentence “excessive,” and argued that he’s “shown remorse” and should receive mercy.

Look:

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… pic.twitter.com/Isj2mxlhsd

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) August 4, 2025

“I just sent a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney urging President Trump to commute the sentence of former Congressman [Santos],” she wrote on X. “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!”

Attached to her post was the letter, detailing the rationale behind the seemingly sudden request:

I am writing to request that your office urge the President to commute the sentence of former Congressman George Santos. In April 2025, Mr. Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. I wholeheartedly believe in justice and the rule of law, and I understand the gravity of such actions. However, I believe a seven-year sentence for such campaign-related matters for an individual with no prior criminal record extends far beyond what is warranted.

As a Member of Congress, I worked with Mr. Santos on many issues and can attest to his willingness and dedication to serve the people of New York who elected him to office. He committed himself to serving his constituents and did whatever it took to represent their interests in Washing, D.C. He is sincerely remorseful and has accepted full responsibility for his actions. Furthermore, my office has spoken with a pastor of his who discussed the regret and remorse of Mr. Santis, agreeing that the sentence imposed is a grave injustice.

While his crimes warrant punishment, many of my colleagues who I serve with have committed far worse offenses than Mr. Santos yet have faced zero criminal charges. I strongly believe in accountability for one’s actions, but I believe the sentencing of Mr. Santos is an abusive overreach by the judicial system.

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.

I respectfully request you to urge the President to commute the sentence of Mr. George Santos.

Speaking on the matter with Newsmax host Rob Finnerty, Trump pointed out that he hadn’t yet been asked about a potential pardon for Santos.

“He lied like hell, and I didn’t know him,” the president said. “But he was 100 percent for Trump. I might’ve met him. Maybe, maybe not, but he was a congressman and his vote was solid.”

He also appeared surprised by the length of the sentence Santos was ordered to serve.

“It sounds like a lot. Is it seven years he just went away? It’s a long time.”