Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Former Rep. George Santos reported to federal prison on Friday to begin serving an 87-month sentence after pleading guilty to a range of felony charges, ending one of the most bizarre and scandal-ridden congressional careers in modern U.S. history.
The New York Republican, who rose to fame after his unexpected 2022 election win, was expelled from Congress less than a year later following revelations of fraud, deception, and theft. His federal conviction includes wire fraud, identity theft, money laundering, and theft of public funds.
Despite his legal downfall, Santos remained defiant — and flamboyant — in the days leading up to his incarceration. He participated in an X Spaces live stream, gave interviews, and continued to sell personalized video messages on Cameo for $300 apiece as late as Friday morning.
“Well, darlings… the curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed,” Santos posted on X. “Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried… most days.”
In a nearly 90-minute broadcast, the former lawmaker — who had aligned himself with former President Donald Trump during his short stint in Congress — addressed speculation that he might seek a presidential pardon.
“The answer to that is, I don’t know,” Santos said. “You’re asking the wrong person. The only person that can answer that question is, you know, whoever the president of the United States is — in this case, President Donald Trump.”
The White House has not commented on whether a pardon or commutation is under consideration.
Santos’ rapid rise and fall has become one of the most infamous political scandals in recent history. Even before he was sworn in, journalists revealed that he had fabricated major parts of his resume and biography, from his education and work history to claims about his heritage and charitable efforts.
The House Ethics Committee issued a damning report in 2023 accusing Santos of misusing campaign funds, defrauding donors, and lying on financial disclosures. He was indicted on 23 counts, including stealing unemployment benefits and embezzling contributions.
Ultimately, his GOP colleagues from New York — the same ones who had helped flip his district from blue to red — led the charge to remove him. On December 1, 2023, the House voted 311-114 to expel Santos, making him only the sixth member in U.S. history to be expelled.
In April 2024, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to over seven years in prison, as well as ordered to pay nearly $374,000 in restitution and more than $200,000 in asset forfeitures.
In his final public comments before reporting to prison, Santos offered a rare moment of humility:
“I think we can all attest that I’ve made a string of s— choices in my life, and for that, I’m sorry,” he said. “To those I’ve disappointed, to those I’ve let down, to those that I have caused irreparable damage. I’m sorry. I mean it.”
Still, he couldn’t resist signing off with flair: “I may be leaving the stage (for now), but trust me — legends never truly exit.”
