NEW YORK (AP) — Former U.S. Representative George Santos has recently been released from prison, where he served a brief sentence for defrauding his campaign donors. Reflecting on his time behind bars, Santos expressed humility about his experiences but dismissed the criticism surrounding President Donald Trump's decision to grant him clemency. He noted that even if Trump had pardoned a figure like Jesus Christ, critics would still find reasons for outrage.
Santos, who previously won office by fabricating a false identity as a successful Wall Street professional, pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft the previous year. He began a 7-year sentence in July at a facility in New Jersey, but, in a surprising move, Trump commuted his sentence after only 84 days. Although Trump labeled Santos as a "rogue," he argued that the former congressman did not deserve a severe sentence and should be acknowledged for his loyalty to Republican values.
During an appearance on CNN's “State of the Union,” Santos stated that he had learned significant lessons while incarcerated, describing his experience as consuming “a very large slice of humble pie, if not the whole pie.” He also extended an apology to his former constituents in New York, revealing that he was “in a chaotic ball of flame” while committing the fraudulent acts that led to his downfall. Santos admitted to deceiving campaign donors and stealing the identities of eleven individuals, including some relatives.
When questioned about fellow Republicans who expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's clemency decision, Santos pointed out that other instances of clemency were comparably controversial. He referenced President Joe Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter, for gun and tax infractions, dismissing the outrage directed at him as “pearl-clutching.”
Part of Santos's guilty plea included an agreement to pay restitution of $373,750 and forfeiture of $205,003. However, it appears that Trump’s clemency order has absolved him of any remaining financial obligations. When asked if he intended to repay the campaign donors he defrauded, Santos responded noncommittally, stating he would do so only if legally required.
Santos conveyed that he saw his release as a second chance, indicating his intention to “make amends.” Yet, he only committed to repaying defrauded donors if mandated by law. He made a personal appeal to Trump for consideration, highlighting his allegiance to the president’s agenda and the Republican Party. He learned about his commutation from fellow inmates who were following the news on television, rather than receiving direct communication from the administration.
Despite the serious implications of his criminal activity, which included fabricating a personal narrative that helped him become the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress in 2022, Santos now faces a new chapter. He falsely claimed to have a successful career as a business consultant and a significant real estate portfolio, while in reality, he had no such accomplishments. His past included working for a company accused of a Ponzi scheme and facing personal financial struggles.
Following his expulsion from Congress, which made him one of only six people to receive such a measure, Santos transitioned to making a substantial income by selling personalized messages through the platform Cameo. He returned to public engagement recently, marking the continuation of his controversial and complex political journey.
