Former U.S. Rep. George Santos said he feels both humbled and determined following the unexpected commutation of his eight‑month‑plus federal sentence by Donald Trump. Santos described his prison term as a spiritual turning point, saying he reconnected with his faith and vows not to disappoint the former president who granted him a “second chance.”
In his first public remarks after release, Santos said he spent 41 days in solitary confinement, during which he claimed to have had no access to a Bible or rosary—but still found solace through prayer. He expressed gratitude to Trump for commuting his sentence and emphasized his commitment to redeeming himself by helping with prison‑reform—though he acknowledged a steep road to regaining trust.
The former congressman pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and was originally sentenced to serve over seven years. He entered federal prison in New Jersey in July and was released in mid‑October after Trump’s commutation. Santos said he informed Trump during a phone call that he plans to dedicate himself to prison reform and reflect on what he calls his “second chance.”
Critics argue the commutation raises serious questions about fairness and influence, noting that Santos served only a fraction of his sentence while his victims remain unpaid. Santos responded by dismissing the criticism and asserting that if clemency were offered to the most iconic figures in history, controversy would still follow.
While Santos says he does not plan an immediate political comeback, he remains in the public eye and continues to sell personalized videos online, even as debate swirls around his credibility and the message sent by his early release.
