Well, This Is Awkward. George Santos Now Asking Trump For A Pardon
Disgraced former congressman George Santos has publicly asked Donald Trump for a pardon, a significant turnaround from his previous statements. The plea came via a post on the social media platform X just days after Santos insisted he wouldn’t seek clemency.
This is the hardest statement I have ever written. I write this humbled, chastened, and fully accountable for choices that shattered the faith so many placed in me. I betrayed the confidence entrusted to me by many. For that, I offer my deepest apology.
— Pants On Fire with George Santos (@MrSantosNY) April 26, 2025
When I pled guilty, I did…
Santos faced numerous federal charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft related to his campaigns and finances, leading to his expulsion from the US House of Representatives. While he has pleaded guilty, he has not yet been sentenced, though he potentially faces significant time behind bars.
An Appeal After Defiance
“This is the hardest statement I have ever written,” Santos reportedly posted on Friday evening. His request marks a complete reversal. Previously, the 36-year-old had told interviewers he would not lower himself to beg for a pardon before any potential sentencing. Now, it seems the reality of his legal situation might be sinking in.
In his public appeal, Santos attempted a tone of humility. “I write this humbled, chastened, and fully accountable for choices that shattered the faith so many placed in me,” he wrote. “I betrayed the confidence entrusted to me by many. For that, I offer my deepest apology.”
He referred back to his guilty plea, stating, “When I pled [sic] guilty, I did so without reservation. I said then, and I repeat now, that my conduct betrayed my supporters and diminished the institution I was privileged to serve.”
George Santos stole money from a disabled veteran trying to save his dog. Make sure that fact gets around the prison he goes to.
— James Tate (@JamesTate121) April 25, 2025
pic.twitter.com/OskBWodJaG
Questioning His Confession?
Despite claiming accountability, Santos expressed regret that his earlier full admission didn’t prevent his expulsion or lessen the severity of the charges he faces. “Those words have weighed on me every day since,” he added.
He framed his potential future sentence – suggesting a possible seven years – as excessive and politically motivated, perhaps tailoring his appeal to Trump’s own views on the justice system. “I believe that 7 years is an over the top politically influenced sentence and I implore that President Trump gives me a chance to prove I’m more than the mistakes I’ve made,” Santos pleaded, signing off “Respectfully.”
Keeping Busy While Waiting
While awaiting any response from Trump, Santos didn’t exactly retreat from the public eye over the weekend. He provided live fashion commentary on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner red carpet via social media, shared posts from controversial accounts, and even started a public countdown to his potential incarceration date. “T-89 Days!” he posted on Sunday.
By Monday, perhaps facing the silence, Santos posted a clip suggesting a different coping mechanism. “When life gets hard, DANCE!” he wrote, promoting an online dance class featuring Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra. Whether this signals resignation or is another coded message remains anyone’s guess. As Gaga sings, “Save me from this empty fight, in the game of life.” For Santos, the next moves in that game are uncertain, especially regarding the pardon he swore he’d never ask for.
