The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Oct. 21, 2025
After serving less than 4 months of a 7 year sentence, disgraced New York Congressman George Santos had his sentence commuted by President Donald Trump on October 17th. Santos had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in August 2024.
Shortly after the newly-elected Congressman took office, inconsistencies surfaced about Santos’ resume and financial dealings. The FBI, IRS, U.S. Attorney’s office, and the Nassau County District Attorney investigated, and in May 2023, leveled 13 charges of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and lying on U.S. House financial forms. More charges of identity theft and credit card fraud followed in October 2023.
After a plea deal, Santos pleaded guilty on reduced charges, was forced to pay restitution, and began serving an 87-month sentence in July 2025. U.S. Attorney John Durham said in a statement, “Today, George Santos was finally held accountable for the mountain of lies, theft, and fraud he perpetrated.”
October 13th, Santos published an open letter to Trump in the South Shore Press, saying, QUOTE, “I am asking for fairness — for the chance to rebuild.”
In commuting his sentence Friday, Trump wrote on Truth Social, QUOTE, “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.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Congress – Ethics Report on Congressman Santos
U.S. Department of Justice – Ex-Congressman George Santos Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft
CBS News – Federal prosecutors speak after George Santos sentenced to 87 months in prison
The South Shore Press – Santos in Solitary: A passionate plea to President Trump
President Donald Trump – Post Announcing Commutation of Santos’ Sentence
Associated Press – Trump commutes sentence of former US Rep. George Santos in federal fraud case
The Guardian – Disgraced former congressman George Santos released from prison in New Jersey
Groups Taking Action
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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