NEW YORK (AP) — Freed from prison, former U.S. Representative George Santos claims he’s feeling humbled yet unbothered by critics who are upset with President Donald Trump for granting him clemency.
“I’m more than confident that if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would face backlash,” Santos remarked during a CNN interview on Sunday.
Santos had been incarcerated for a prolonged period, having pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft last year, which led to a 7-year prison sentence that began in July. After only 84 days, Trump initiated his release, calling Santos a “rogue” but suggesting he didn’t deserve a severe penalty.
Reflecting on his time behind bars, Santos stated he learned significant lessons and experienced a hefty dose of humility. He also extended an apology to former constituents in his New York district, confessing he was engulfed in a chaotic state during his criminal activities.
Despite acknowledgments of his past misdeeds, such as defrauding supporters and stealing identities, Santos was somewhat dismissive when confronted about the disgruntlement within the Republican Party regarding his swift release.
“If I’m not paying much attention to the pearl-clutching of the outrage of my critics, that’s just the way it is,” he rebutted.
His clemency appeared to alleviate him from the obligation to repay the restitution of over $578,000 mandated as part of his guilty plea. He proclaimed his intentions to make amends if legally required but remarked that if it’s not a necessity, then he might opt out.
Santos revealed that he appealed for clemency directly to Trump, declaring his allegiance to the former president's agenda. He learned about his commutation from prison mates who caught the news on television.
Upon assuming office as the first openly gay Republican congressman in 2022, Santos was later embroiled in scandals about his misleading life story, claiming experiences and achievements that were later disproved. Although he faced eviction and financial strife, he turned to the Cameo platform upon being expelled from Congress, capitalizing on personalized video requests, and resumed his service just recently.
