Santos asks Trump for pardon, commutation, clemency, 'whatever'
Share and Follow


(The Hill) — Former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who faces more than seven years behind bars after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft, revealed this week that he will be seeking clemency from President Donald Trump.

“I’ll take a commutation, clemency, whatever the president is willing to give me,” Santos told British media personality Piers Morgan in an episode of Morgan’s YouTube show “Uncensored” on Thursday.

“Seven years and three months in prison for a first-time offender over campaign matters just screams over the top, and I would appreciate if the president would consider,” he added.

The embattled former lawmaker also noted that he is filling out paperwork to formally seek intervention from the White House before he reports to prison in July.

Santos was elected to represent New York’s affluent Long Island-centered 3rd District in 2022, becoming the first openly gay Republican to win a House seat as a nonincumbent. But his standing quickly unraveled as he was exposed for a slew of fanciful lies about his background. The House expelled Santos from the chamber in a 311–114 vote in 2023, as ethics charges mounted against him.

“I do believe this is an unfair judgment handed down to me,” he said Thursday. “I think there was a lot of politicization over the process.”

The White House didn’t immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment, but Trump has demonstrated a willingness to use his presidential power to aid like-minded politicians facing jail time.

The president pardoned a Republican former Tennessee state lawmaker last month who had pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and was serving a 21-month sentence.

“May God bless America, despite the prosecutorial sins it committed against me, President Trump, and others the past four years,” former state Sen. Brian Kelsey said in a social media post about his reprieve.

In his interview with Morgan, Santos blasted former Biden administration Attorney General Merrick Garland, whom Trump and his allies have frequently criticized and accused of weaponizing the Department of Justice against the president and his allies.

“Merrick Garland was by far the most disgraceful and disgraced political (Attorney General) to ever serve in that capacity of the United States,” Santos said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Urbana Stabbing Spree: Suspect Apprehended Following Multiple Injuries on Sunday Evening

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A tumultuous scene unfolded in Urbana on Sunday…

Displaced Palestinians Seek Refuge in Gaza Cemeteries Amid Crisis

KHAN YUNIS – In the war-torn landscape of Gaza, some Palestinians have…

Champaign Tip Jar Thief Reemerges, Now Suspected of Bicycle Theft on U of I Campus: Crime Stoppers

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Authorities are on the lookout for a suspect…

Impending Government Shutdown Could Halt Crucial Home Heating Assistance for Millions of Low-Income Families

HARTFORD, Conn. — Jacqueline Chapman, a retired school aide, depends on her…

South Carolina Authorities Detain Man Following School Window Break-In and Child Abduction Attempt

In a startling event in Chester, South Carolina, a 20-year-old man is…

Key Races to Watch: Unmissable Highlights of Tuesday’s Off-Year Elections

As voters make their way to the polls this Tuesday, the nation…

Springfield Homicide: Local Man Arrested in Connection with Weekend Murder

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — An investigation into a weekend homicide in Springfield has…

Government Shutdown Sparks Severe Air Traffic Controller Shortage: Flight Delays Soar

Amidst an ongoing government shutdown that has persisted for over a month,…