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Disgraced former US congressman George Santos stated yesterday that his prison sentence had been "excessive", while adding he had been served "a substantial portion of humble pie". During his first interview since Trump shortened his incarceration, Santos additionally criticized his opponents.

Conversation Highlights

Interviewed by the CNN host on CNN's State of the Union, Santos stated he was "done with politics", and urged his ex-campaign aide, Sam Miele, to similarly obtain a commutation.

"This isn't about celebrity status or returning to Congress," he affirmed. "This is a very personal journey and trajectory for me going forward."

Executive Move

Donald Trump announced last Friday that he had shortened the incarceration for Santos, who was scheduled to complete over seven years in government facility in New Jersey after a rapid political rise marred by serial fabrications and fraudulent scheming.

"I have executed a Sentence Reduction, liberating George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY," Trump declared in a detailed social media message. "Good luck George, have a great life!"

Legal Background

Santos, who confessed last year to electronic deception and enhanced personal data theft, was fewer than three months into incarceration when he was liberated. He mentioned that Trump's choice to reduce his sentence came as a surprise.

"I had no expectations anything, I wasn't even aware until I noticed it from the screen text of mainstream media at the prison myself," he explained. "Fellow prisoners saw it and summoned me."

Addressing Special Treatment

The host questioned Santos on whether he had obtained special consideration as a "faithful supporter" of the commander-in-chief.

"Many individuals who were displeased with Biden who granted clemency to his relatives before he left office in an unprecedented move," Santos quipped back. "Forgive me if I'm not giving much consideration to the outrage of the outrage of my critics."

Presidential Pardons

The president has granted several pardons and commutations throughout his current administration up to now, starting with the "comprehensive and unlimited" executive clemencies for about 1,500 people who were involved in the Capitol breach.

In February, he pardoned previous Illinois leader Rod Blagojevich, who was sentenced for dishonesty-related charges, comprising trying to sell a Congressional seat previously held by former President Barack Obama.

Restitution Requirements

As part of his court settlement, Santos had committed to remit nearly $375,000 in compensation and two hundred five thousand dollars in surrender of assets. When asked on State of the Union if he was planning on reimburse the restitution, he stated should it be "mandated for me by the law".

"I've been free for 48 hours. I consented to appear to converse with you honestly and transparently and without evasion," he stated, visibly frustrated. "If mandated of me by the law, certainly. Otherwise, then absolutely not. I will take whatever steps the law obligates me to do."

Further Remarks

On a different program on Fox & Friends Weekend Sunday morning, Santos declared he was no longer obligated to repay the monetary compensation and expressed gratitude to Trump, commending him for having "such remarkable commitment for fresh starts".

Back on CNN, he went on to say he was certain that "if President Trump had forgiven Christ from crucifixion, he would have had critics. That is simply the reality of our society."