George Santos, the former New York House Republican, is set to begin serving his seven-year prison sentence on Friday, concluding a tumultuous period marked by public scandal and political fallout. Convicted for fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft, Santos has shown no signs of seeking clemency from President Donald Trump, who has not indicated any intention to grant a pardon or commutation. Despite his loyalty to Trump, Santos acknowledges the political landscape has shifted, with Trump needing to prioritize the nation’s interests over individual favors, potentially undermining any last-minute pardon efforts.
The former congressman, once a prominent figure in the GOP, now faces the reality of prison life, where he expresses concerns over potential violence as a gay man and his political past. Santos has attempted to reinvent himself through various ventures, including paid Cameo appearances and a “Pants on Fire” podcast, but acknowledges that his time in prison may not offer much redemption. As he begins his sentence, Santos reflects on his public persona, expressing a sense of regret and a desire to apologize to those affected by his actions.
His political career was marked by a series of controversies, including a falsified résumé that portrayed him as a Wall Street superstar and allegations of campaign fraud, such as spending on designer duds, lavish lodging, and Botox. His fellow Republicans distanced themselves from him, while Democrats welcomed his downfall. The Long Island federal courthouse where he was indicted in May and October of 2023 and pleaded guilty last August served as his reality show set and runway, where he faced reporters with performative defiance and dressed to impress in Ferragamo. Despite his efforts to maintain a public image, the court proceedings and media attention have highlighted the end of his political aspirations.
Santos’ fabulist-but-make-it-fabulous vibe has dissipated as his prison time nears. He said he’s fearful of being targeted for violence in prison as a gay man — and a former politician at that. And while he has managed to reinvent himself in small ways since he was ousted from Congress, including with paid Cameo appearances and as host of the “Pants on Fire” podcast, Santos said he sees “no light” at the end of his incarceration tunnel.