NEW YORK — Former New York Congressman George Santos spoke out in his first interview following his release from prison.
Santos joined CNN anchor Dana Bash on “State of the Union” on Sunday, shortly after being released from a New Jersey federal prison. Addressing his critics, Santos remarked, “Pardon me if I’m not paying too much attention to the pearl clutching of the outrage of my critics and of the people predominantly on the left who are going to go out there and try to make a big deal out of something like this.”
He also emphasized the presidential power of clemency, stating, “It is known that presidents have the power of the pardon and clemency, which are plenary, and they’re extended at their will.”
Following his release, Santos is expected to attend mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday morning.
**Related:** [George Santos’ prison sentence commuted, to be released ‘immediately’: Trump]
The former New York House Representative was freed from prison Friday night after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence. Santos had originally been sentenced to seven years after pleading guilty to charges of fraud and identity theft, along with paying $380,000 in restitution. Prior to the commutation, he served only three months of his sentence.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/former-ny-rep-george-santos-blasts-critics-first-interview-release-federal-prison/18039315/