George Santos thanks Trump after his release, pledges to push for prison reforms

Former Republican congressman George Santos reappeared publicly Saturday with a lengthy message on X, where he said he is ready to begin a "next chapter" in his life following the commutation of his federal sentence by President Donald Trump. In this statement, Santos spoke of faith, redemption, and a new personal mission: promoting reforms in the prison system.

"I was given something I never thought I’d have again: a true second chance at life," he wrote. "I’m far from perfect. I've made mistakes, I've stumbled, but I never lost faith in Him [Jesus Christ]," he added.

Thanking Trump

Santos dedicated a good part of his message to personally thanking Donald Trump, whom he described as "a great leader (...) who believes in mercy."

The former congressman revealed that he spoke on the phone with the president hours before his publication:

"Earlier today, I had the honor of speaking with him personally, a conversation I will never forget (...) President Trump reminded me that in this country we love so much, no mistake, no hardship, and no fall from grace can take away the possibility of renewal."

"There will be no revenge, no retribution"

In a conciliatory tone, Santos affirmed that he will not seek political or legal revenge despite the controversies and attacks that surrounded his case:

"I hold no anger toward anyone, not even my critics (...) Life is too short to waste on bitterness or vengeance. There will be no revenge, no retribution."

Focus for his new stage

Santos said that his priority after recovering his freedom will be to get involved in penitentiary reform initiatives and institutional supervision. He assured that his prison experience left him with difficult lessons and that he will now seek to defend human dignity within the federal system.

"No one should ever be dehumanized or degraded," he said. "My goal now is to turn my past into something meaningful, to help create a justice system that truly believes in rehabilitation and second chances," he wrote.