Santos Defends Trump’s Clemency, Draws Jesus Comparison in CNN Interview

Former Congressman George Santos defended President Donald Trump’s recent decision to grant him clemency during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on October 8, 2023. Santos, who was sentenced to over seven years in prison for wire fraud, had his sentence commuted by Trump earlier this week, prompting a wave of criticism and scrutiny.

During the segment on “State of the Union,” Bash questioned Santos about whether he believed he received “favorable treatment” due to his loyalty to Trump. Santos dismissed the notion, stating, “Pardon me if I’m not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching of the outrage of my critics… It is known that presidents have the power of the pardon and the clemency, which are plenary. And they’re extended at their will.”

Santos Draws Controversial Comparisons

Santos continued his defense by drawing a controversial parallel between himself and Jesus Christ. He suggested that critics of Trump would find fault with anyone who receives clemency, asserting, “People are going to like me. People are gonna hate me… I’m pretty confident if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics. So that’s just the reality of our country.”

This is not the first time Santos has referenced Jesus in relation to his commutation. In a post on social media platform X, he expressed gratitude for what he described as a “true second chance at life.” In his post, Santos stated, “I want to thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for never abandoning me. I’m far from perfect. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve stumbled, but I never lost faith in Him. His grace carried me when I couldn’t carry myself, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

Bash, in her role as interviewer, chose to sidestep Santos’ comparison, saying, “I’m going to skip over that analogy.” This moment underscored the tension that often accompanies discussions of political clemency and the implications of high-profile endorsements.

As Santos continues to navigate the fallout from his legal troubles and Trump’s intervention, the political landscape remains charged with opinions about loyalty, justice, and the nature of forgiveness. His remarks and the subsequent media coverage highlight the complex interplay of politics, personal redemption, and public perception in today’s environment.