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Disproportionate but Humble Pie: George Santos Weighs In on Commuted Sentence
In his first interview since the commutation of his sentence, disgraced former US Congressman George Santos has weighed in on the move, calling it "disproportionate" while acknowledging he's been served a "large slice of humble pie". The former politician was set to serve over seven years in federal prison for serial fabrications and fraudulent schemes, but was released after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.
Santos expressed surprise at the decision, stating that he had no expectations and wasn't even aware until he learned about it from mainstream media. He praised Trump for offering him a second chance, saying "if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics". The sentiment suggests Santos is trying to spin his situation as a victim of circumstance.
The move has sparked criticism from some quarters, with many viewing it as favoritism and an abuse of power. Santos' own campaign staff member Sam Miele was also mentioned in the interview, with the former congressman calling for his commutation as well. However, when pressed on whether he received special treatment due to his loyalty to Trump, Santos dismissed the notion.
The decision comes after a whirlwind career marred by scandal and deception. Santos pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, before being released from prison less than three months later. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to pay nearly $600,000 in restitution and forfeiture.
In a veiled shot at critics, including President Biden's decision to pardon Trump's family members, Santos quipped that "there's a lot of people who were upset with President Biden... and I'm not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching". The remark has been seen as an attempt to deflect criticism and emphasize his own personal journey.
As for the future, Santos stated that he is "all politicked out" and seeks redemption through this journey. However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into tangible change or simply further exploitation of his reputation.
In his first interview since the commutation of his sentence, disgraced former US Congressman George Santos has weighed in on the move, calling it "disproportionate" while acknowledging he's been served a "large slice of humble pie". The former politician was set to serve over seven years in federal prison for serial fabrications and fraudulent schemes, but was released after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.
Santos expressed surprise at the decision, stating that he had no expectations and wasn't even aware until he learned about it from mainstream media. He praised Trump for offering him a second chance, saying "if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics". The sentiment suggests Santos is trying to spin his situation as a victim of circumstance.
The move has sparked criticism from some quarters, with many viewing it as favoritism and an abuse of power. Santos' own campaign staff member Sam Miele was also mentioned in the interview, with the former congressman calling for his commutation as well. However, when pressed on whether he received special treatment due to his loyalty to Trump, Santos dismissed the notion.
The decision comes after a whirlwind career marred by scandal and deception. Santos pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, before being released from prison less than three months later. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to pay nearly $600,000 in restitution and forfeiture.
In a veiled shot at critics, including President Biden's decision to pardon Trump's family members, Santos quipped that "there's a lot of people who were upset with President Biden... and I'm not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching". The remark has been seen as an attempt to deflect criticism and emphasize his own personal journey.
As for the future, Santos stated that he is "all politicked out" and seeks redemption through this journey. However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into tangible change or simply further exploitation of his reputation.