In recent times, quite a few Republican lawmakers have found themselves in legal trouble. It seems like a lot of them have been given a break by President Trump. The latest person to get this kind of favor is George Santos, the ex-congressman from Long Island. He was let out of prison early. He had been serving time for fraud and identity theft. But after 84 days, Trump cut his sentence short.

This isn't the first time Trump has done this. Over his two terms, he has pardoned or reduced the sentences of many former Republican congressmen. There's Duke Cunningham, who took bribes. Duncan Hunter, who misused campaign money. Rick Renzi, who was into racketeering. Robin Hayes, who lied to investigators. Chris Collins, who did insider trading. Michael Grimm, who evaded taxes and hired undocumented workers. John Rowland, who committed election fraud. And Steve Stockman, who stole a lot of money.

What do all these people have in common? They all supported Trump politically. As Trump put it, Santos had the courage to always vote Republican. The only Democrat Trump has shown mercy to is Rod Blagojevich. He tried to sell a Senate seat. But after he became a Trump supporter, his sentence was reduced and later pardoned.

Trump's use of his clemency power seems more about politics than mercy. The pardon power was meant to be a tool for justice, not a political favor. Alexander Hamilton argued that it was necessary to soften the harshness of the law. But Trump's actions make it look more like a reward for loyalty.

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