The former congressman describes jail term 'unjust' but 'big serving of reality check'

Controversial one-time representative George Santos declared this weekend that his jail term had been "unbalanced", while adding he had been served "a very large slice of reality". Throughout his maiden discussion since Donald Trump commuted his sentence, Santos also lashed out at his critics.

Conversation Highlights

Interviewed by the CNN host on CNN's State of the Union, Santos disclosed he was "done with politics", and urged his former campaign staffer, Sam Miele, to likewise get a sentence reduction.

"This doesn't concern fame and fortune or going back to Congress," he affirmed. "It constitutes a highly personal road and trajectory for me in the future."

Executive Move

The former president announced on Friday that he had reduced the punishment for Santos, who was meant to serve more than seven years in correctional institution in New Jersey following a meteoric political journey stained by repeated falsehoods and dishonest activities.

"I have executed a Commutation, liberating George Santos from prison, AT ONCE," Trump declared in a comprehensive online statement. "Good luck George, live well!"

Case Details

Santos, who admitted guilt in the past year to financial fraud and aggravated identity theft, was under 90 days into incarceration prior to he was released. He indicated that Trump's decision to commute his sentence came as a surprise.

"I had no expectations anything, I didn't even know before I noticed it from the chyron of major news outlets within the prison personally," he stated. "Other inmates noticed it and beckoned me."

Addressing Special Treatment

The host questioned Santos on whether he had obtained special consideration as a "loyal ally" of the chief executive.

"Numerous persons who were upset with the previous president who granted clemency to his relatives before his term ended in an unprecedented move," Santos responded sharply. "Excuse me if I'm not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching of the outrage of my opponents."

Presidential Pardons

Trump has issued several pardons and commutations throughout his current administration to date, beginning with the "total, absolute and unrestricted" presidential pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals who were involved in the Congressional incident.

In February, he forgave former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who was found guilty of dishonesty-related charges, comprising trying to sell a Congressional seat vacated by former President Barack Obama.

Restitution Requirements

As part of his agreement with prosecutors, Santos had committed to compensate approximately $375,000 in compensation and over $200,000 in confiscation. When inquired about on State of the Union if he was preparing to pay back the restitution, he stated in case it's "obligatory for me by the law".

"I've been released for a couple of days. I decided to participate to discuss with you frankly and directly and to be straightforward," he stated, clearly agitated. "Should it be necessary of me by the law, certainly. Otherwise, then no. I will perform any action the law requires me to do."

Additional Comments

On a different program on the weekend show Sunday morning, Santos claimed he didn't need to compensate the financial penalty and expressed gratitude to Trump, commending him for having "such incredible determination for second chances".

Returning to CNN, he went on to say he was convinced that "if Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics. That's just the situation of our country."