Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has taken a bold step in the pursuit of justice.
On Monday, she submitted a plea to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, advocating for President Trump to commute the 87-month federal sentence of former Congressman George Santos (NY-03). Greene has labeled Santos' sentence as a "grave injustice," indicative of a justice system marred by politically motivated persecution.
In a recent post, Greene stated, "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 whove done far worse still walk free. George Santos has taken responsibility. Hes shown remorse. Its time to correct this injustice. We must demand equal justice under the law!" `
In her letter dated August 4, addressed to Pardon Attorney Edward Martin Jr. at the Justice Department, Greene urged President Trump to exercise his executive power to rectify what she perceives as a "grave injustice." Greene, leveraging her insider knowledge, characterized Santos as a first-time offender who is "sincerely remorseful."
She painted his case as one of campaign-related misconduct, not deserving of "one of the most extreme sentences in recent history."
Greene's letter also served as a reminder of the numerous current or former lawmakers who have breached laws or ethics rules without facing any repercussions.
Her letter read in part, "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 ones actions, but I believe the sentencing of Mr. Santos is an abusive overreach by the judicial system."
According to the Advocate, President Trump has the power to pardon Santos, but the issue has not been raised with him. The Advocate quoted Trump as saying, "He lied like hell, and I didnt know him. But he was 100 percent for Trump. I mightve met him. Maybe, maybe not, but he was a congressman and his vote was solid." Trump also expressed surprise at the severity of Santos's sentence, stating, "It sounds like a lot. Is it seven years he just went away? Its a long time."
In April, U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert sentenced Santos to 87 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, following his guilty plea in August 2024. The charges were related to the fabrication of donor names, laundering of campaign funds, misuse of donor money, and claiming unemployment while campaigning.
Santos, earlier this year, took to social media to voice his criticism of the ruling and appeal to President Trump for leniency. He wrote, "I believe that 7 years is an over the top politically influenced sentence and I implore that President Trump gives me a chance to prove Im more than the mistakes Ive made."
Prior to his sentencing, Santos had criticized federal prosecutors for their leniency towards violent criminals while attempting to make an example out of him. He wrote, "I will however remind everyone that they want me to go to prison for 87 months while they let sex traffickers walk freely, they give drug lords slaps on the wrist and most importantly refuse to prosecute the cabal of pedophiles running around in every power structure in the world including the US Government."
In the face of these circumstances, Greene's plea for Santos' sentence commutation underscores her commitment to justice and fairness. It remains to be seen whether President Trump will heed her call and exercise his executive power to rectify what she perceives as a "grave injustice."
Login