George Santos Returns to TV Just 48 Hours After Trump Commutes Sentence

George Santos Returns to Network TV After Commutation Disgraced former congressman George Santos made his return to network television just 48 hours after President Donald Trump commuted his seven-year prison sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos appeared on CNN's State of the Union with Dana Bash, addressing questions about his commutation and post-prison plans. During the interview, Santos claimed that prison had humbled him but also insisted that his sentence was unfair. He stated he had no expectations for a pardon and only found out about the commutation when fellow inmates told him, according to Santos. Santos' return to public life has sparked controversy among critics who point to his history of dishonesty and lack of accountability. "It's outrageous that George Santos is already back on TV," said Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), a vocal critic of Santos during his time in Congress. "He has shown no remorse for his actions, and now he's trying to spin this as some kind of redemption story." Santos' appearance on State of the Union marks the latest development in his tumultuous career. He was first elected to Congress in 2022 but resigned after an FBI investigation revealed a pattern of deception and financial misconduct. The commutation has also raised questions about President Trump's use of executive power. "This is a clear abuse of presidential authority," said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), who serves on the House Oversight Committee. "George Santos' sentence was a result of his own actions, and it's not up to the president to decide what justice looks like." Santos has yet to announce any specific plans for his post-prison life but has hinted at exploring future opportunities in politics. Background: Santos was initially sentenced to seven years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He was released from federal custody on Friday, just days before the commutation announcement. Additional perspectives: A spokesperson for President Trump's office declined to comment on the commutation. The White House has maintained that the decision was made based on Santos' cooperation with investigators and his acceptance of responsibility for his actions. Santos' lawyer, Joseph Murray, stated in a previous interview that his client had "learned from his mistakes" and was eager to move forward. Next developments: Santos is expected to continue making appearances on network television as he navigates the aftermath of his commutation. The House Oversight Committee has announced plans to hold hearings on the use of executive power in commuting sentences, with Rep. Raskin at the helm. *Reporting by Motherjones.*