🔗 Share this article The former congressman calls prison sentence 'unjust' but 'big serving of reality check' Controversial ex-lawmaker George Santos stated yesterday that his incarceration period had been "disproportionate", but noted he had been served "a substantial portion of humble pie". During his maiden discussion after the former president commuted his sentence, Santos furthermore criticized his detractors. Interview Details Interviewed by Dana Bash on CNN's State of the Union, Santos revealed he was "all politicked out", and requested his previous team member, Sam Miele, to likewise get a sentence reduction. "This doesn't concern fame and fortune or reentering Congress," he stated. "This is a highly personal road and path for me going forward." Trump's Decision Donald Trump announced two days prior that he had reduced the punishment for Santos, who was destined to undergo over seven years in federal prison in New Jersey after a whirlwind political career tainted by serial fabrications and deceitful plans. "I recently authorized a Presidential Leniency, freeing George Santos from prison, AT ONCE," Trump announced in a detailed social media message. "Best wishes George, live well!" Legal Background Santos, who pleaded guilty last year to financial fraud and serious identity theft, was under 90 days into his sentence before he was freed. He stated that Trump's decision to commute his sentence came as a surprise. "I had no expectations anything, I remained uninformed before I saw it on the news ticker of mainstream media at the prison myself," he stated. "Other inmates saw it and summoned me." Questioning Favoritism The host questioned Santos on whether he had obtained special consideration as a "loyal ally" of the commander-in-chief. "Numerous persons who were upset with the previous president who pardoned his entire family before his term ended in an unprecedented move," Santos quipped back. "Excuse me if I'm not paying too much attention to the dramatic reactions of the anger of my detractors." Presidential Pardons The president has granted multiple clemencies and commutations throughout his current administration to date, commencing with the "comprehensive and unlimited" executive clemencies for nearly 1,500 persons who were involved in the Congressional incident. During February, he forgave ex-Illinois chief executive Rod Blagojevich, who was found guilty of dishonesty-related charges, including attempting to auction a Congressional seat previously held by former President Barack Obama. Monetary Responsibilities Under the terms of his court settlement, Santos had agreed to remit around three hundred seventy-five thousand dollars in restitution and two hundred five thousand dollars in forfeiture. When questioned during State of the Union if he was preparing to return the payment, he stated in case it's "required of me by the law". "I've been released for a couple of days. I agreed to come here to converse with you honestly and transparently and to be straightforward," he stated, clearly agitated. "If mandated of me by the law, yes. Otherwise, then negative. I will take whatever steps the law obligates me to do." Further Remarks On a different program on the weekend show earlier on Sunday, Santos declared he no longer had to pay restitution and thanked Trump, praising him for having "such incredible determination for new opportunities". Returning to CNN, he continued to say he was confident that "if Trump had forgiven Christ during the crucifixion, he would have had critics. That is simply the situation of our country."