George Santos Claims Political Bias After Sentence Commutation

Disgraced former Representative George Santos has characterized his recent legal troubles as politically motivated following his release from prison. This development occurred after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence on March 15, 2024, which had originally sentenced him to seven years for fraud charges that led to his expulsion from Congress.

Santos spoke to CNN’s Dana Bash on the program “State of the Union,” shortly after his release from solitary confinement. He expressed that he had no expectations regarding the commutation and referred to his experience in prison as a time when he consumed a “very large slice of humble pie.” Santos stated, “I had no expectations,” reflecting on the moment he learned of the commutation from fellow inmates watching television.

Reactions from New York Republicans, however, were critical. Representative Nick LaLota took to social media, expressing that Santos “didn’t merely lie — he stole millions, defrauded an election, and his crimes (for which he pled guilty) warrant more than a three-month sentence.” LaLota further emphasized that Santos should focus on demonstrating remorse and making restitution for his actions.

Another New York Republican, Representative Andrew Garbarino, voiced similar sentiments, stating to the Washington Times that the brief time Santos spent in prison “is not justice” and highlighted a perceived lack of remorse on Santos’s part. In his interview, Santos acknowledged these criticisms, asserting that his former colleagues are “entitled to their opinion.”

Santos attempted to frame his situation within a broader context. He remarked, “People are going to hate me. It doesn’t matter whoever gets clemency in the future… if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off of the cross, he would have had critics.” He maintained that his seven-year sentence was disproportionate, describing his case as anything but political when viewed by those familiar with similar legal matters.

According to a copy of his clemency grant shared by US Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, Santos is no longer required to pay fines, restitution, or adhere to any probation conditions. When asked about reimbursing his donors, he stated he would “do my best to do whatever the law requires of me,” insisting that there was no fraud in his election win.

Looking forward, Santos expressed a desire to focus on the future while apologizing to the American public and residents of his former district. He described his past as a “chaotic ball of flames,” acknowledging the turbulent period during which he committed his crimes.

Santos also indicated that his time in prison, particularly in solitary confinement, has motivated him to engage in prison reform efforts. He noted that he had discussed these issues with President Trump, arguing that the current prison system fosters recidivism rather than rehabilitation. “I told this to the president, that I’d love to be involved with prison reform, and not in a partisan way,” he said.

While Santos’s political future remains uncertain, he stated he does not envision a return to politics in the next decade. “I’m 37 years old. I can tell you this, not that I can see if in the next decade. I am, I’m all politicked out,” he concluded, signaling a shift in focus away from his previous political ambitions.