Former Congressman George Santos Defends Trump Pardon After Prison Release

Former Rep. George Santos gave his first TV interview on CNN’s State of the Union after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence, saying he was blindsided by the decision and learned of his release while still in a New Jersey federal prison — at times reporting he saw it on a TV chyron and that fellow inmates alerted him after spending time in isolation. Santos defended Trump’s clemency, dismissing critics as "pearl-clutching" and arguing that presidential pardon and clemency powers are plenary. He had been convicted on charges related to fraud and identity theft, sentenced to roughly seven years and ordered to pay about $374,000–$380,000 in restitution. Santos called the term "disproportionate," described the release as a second chance, and said he was humbled by the experience. Trump publicly praised Santos and defended the commutation, a move that has prompted accusations of favoritism and political outrage, especially from critics on the left. Santos said he plans to attend mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and is focused on moving forward rather than his critics.