George Santos: “I Will Pay Restitution Only If Required by Law” After Prison Release

George Santos: “I Will Pay Back Restitution If Required by Law” Following Prison Release

WASHINGTON — In a candid interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., addressed his recent release from prison and the restitution he owes, stating he would only pay back approximately $374,000 if mandated by law.

Santos, who was released just two days prior after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence, expressed a willingness to comply with legal requirements. “I can do my best to do whatever the law requires of me,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to transparency. “If it’s required of me by the law, yes. If it’s not, then no.”

The former congressman had been serving a seven-year sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, having pleaded guilty to charges that included embezzling funds from campaign donors and unauthorized credit card charges. His release has reignited discussions about his controversial past, including his expulsion from the House in December 2023 after a series of fabrications about his resume were uncovered.

In a separate interview on Fox News, Santos claimed he no longer has any legal obligations, stating, “I do not have any pendencies with the law anymore. I have no restitution. I have no probation.” He dismissed the restitution amount as “really insane.”

Trump’s decision to commute Santos’ sentence has drawn both support and criticism. In a Truth Social post, Trump asserted that Santos had been “horribly mistreated” and praised him for his loyalty to the Republican Party. The former president’s comments were met with backlash, particularly from those like Richard Osthoff, a Navy veteran who accused Santos of misappropriating funds raised for his dog’s surgery. “My gut dropped; I felt like I was going to throw up,” Osthoff said upon hearing the news of Santos’ commutation.

Santos expressed gratitude towards Trump during his Fox News interview, highlighting the former president’s belief in second chances. He also dismissed critics of Trump’s actions, suggesting that even a hypothetical pardon for Jesus Christ would be met with dissent.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Santos remains a polarizing figure, navigating the complexities of his legal obligations and public perception. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether he will indeed fulfill any restitution requirements or if his claims of legal freedom hold true.