NEW YORK (Flux Daily) — Former U.S. Representative George Santos, who was recently released from his seven-year sentence for defrauding campaign donors, has opened up about his experience in prison. Following his unexpected clemency from President Donald Trump after just 84 days served, Santos acknowledges a transformative period in his life.
In an exclusive interview, Santos noted his feeling of humility, stating, “I had a very large slice of humble pie during my time behind bars.” He dismissed critics who were shocked by Trump's decision, likening it to the backlash any pardon might face, saying, “I’m pretty confident if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics.”
Santos was convicted of fraud and identity theft, having admitted to deceiving donors and appropriating the identities of multiple individuals, including family members. He expressed regret to his former constituents, admitting he was “in a chaotic ball of flame” when committing his crimes.
Despite the release, Santos' obligations remain uncertain. He acknowledged the restitution ordered by the court amounting to over $373,000 but indicated that he might not pay this back unless legally compelled. “If it’s required of me by the law, yes. If it’s not, then no,” he stated. His release and the clemency order from Trump appear to exempt him from fulfilling these financial obligations.
As a paradox in American politics, Santos blames some of the discontent among his fellow Republicans on broader issues of presidential clemency, pointing to President Joe Biden's pardoning of his son, Hunter, as an example. “So pardon me if I’m not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching of the outrage of my critics,” he quipped.
In the wake of his release, Santos expressed a desire to make amends and focus on his future in public service. Meanwhile, he had generated significant attention and income by selling personalized video messages through Cameo, a platform he returned to shortly after his release. Santos's story continues to unfold as he navigates the complexities of redemption and reintegration into society.
In an exclusive interview, Santos noted his feeling of humility, stating, “I had a very large slice of humble pie during my time behind bars.” He dismissed critics who were shocked by Trump's decision, likening it to the backlash any pardon might face, saying, “I’m pretty confident if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics.”
Santos was convicted of fraud and identity theft, having admitted to deceiving donors and appropriating the identities of multiple individuals, including family members. He expressed regret to his former constituents, admitting he was “in a chaotic ball of flame” when committing his crimes.
Despite the release, Santos' obligations remain uncertain. He acknowledged the restitution ordered by the court amounting to over $373,000 but indicated that he might not pay this back unless legally compelled. “If it’s required of me by the law, yes. If it’s not, then no,” he stated. His release and the clemency order from Trump appear to exempt him from fulfilling these financial obligations.
As a paradox in American politics, Santos blames some of the discontent among his fellow Republicans on broader issues of presidential clemency, pointing to President Joe Biden's pardoning of his son, Hunter, as an example. “So pardon me if I’m not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching of the outrage of my critics,” he quipped.
In the wake of his release, Santos expressed a desire to make amends and focus on his future in public service. Meanwhile, he had generated significant attention and income by selling personalized video messages through Cameo, a platform he returned to shortly after his release. Santos's story continues to unfold as he navigates the complexities of redemption and reintegration into society.
