George Santos talks solitary confinement, apologies in post-prison interview

FULL: George Santos post-prison interview | Local exclusive

In his first local TV interview since Pres. Trump Donald Trump commuted his sentence, George Santos tells FOX 5 NY’s Jodi Goldberg about his time in prison, including solitary confinement and "cat food" served as meals. He apologizes to his constituents but doesn’t detail plans about paying back his victims. He also touches upon what’s in store for Santos 2.0, including a newfound passion for working with youth and fighting for prison reform.

NEW YORK - In his first local TV interview since Pres. Donald Trump commuted his sentence, George Santos spoke with FOX 5 NY’s Jodi Goldberg about his time in prison – including being forced into solitary conferment – the lessons he’s learned, the apologies he needed to make and the future for the former Long Island politician.

Watch the full 18-minute interview in the media player above. If the media player isn't loading, click here to watch.

Santos’ sentence commuted

The backstory:

Santos was released from a New Jersey prison Friday after Trump granted him clemency, freeing him after just 84 days of a more than seven-year term for fraud and identity theft.

The clemency also appeared to absolve him of paying more than $578,000 in restitution and forfeiture.

The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people — including his own family members — to make donations to his campaign.

Santos had personally appealed to Trump in an open letter from prison, describing his hardships and pledging devotion to the president’s agenda.

George Santos, former Representative from New York, center, arrives at federal court in Central Islip, New York, US, on Friday, April 25, 2025. (Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

From prison to commutation

What they're saying:

George Santos says he’s still "in a state of almost shock" after returning home just days following his release from federal custody.

"Thanks to Trump’s generosity, I can now do something bigger with my life," he told Goldberg.

‘I’m sorry’

Santos expressed remorse for his past conduct and said his brief time in prison gave him new perspective.

"I’m sorry I misled and disappointed you and misrepresented myself in the past," he said. "…I will work very hard to earn the trust and to prove myself a redeemed and changed man."

While he spoke candidly about the challenges of incarceration, Santos described maintaining a routine and even joked about the food.

"There were only two decent meals — chicken patty sandwiches and baked chicken quarters. Everything else looked like cat food out of Friskies," he said.

But he also acknowledged the toll of being in solitary confinement, calling it "the most destructive mental health experience I had."

The road ahead

What's next:

Santos says he now plans to advocate for prison reform and serve as a mentor for at-risk youth, using his experience as a warning.

"I’ve stolen, I’ve cheated, I’ve lied and I’ve gone to prison because of that," he said. "I think it’s important to speak to youth so they understand that’s not the path to walk on."

Under his plea deal, Santos was ordered to pay nearly $374,000 in restitution, though repayment was not included in Trump’s commutation order. When asked how he plans to make amends, Santos said: "I don’t know how it’s going to change the past. I want to do what’s required of me in the law. As of right now, four days after prison, I don’t have an answer for you."

The other side:

Critics, including members of Congress and those who claim to have been defrauded, argue Santos’ crimes warranted far more time behind bars.

He acknowledged his own arrogance and said he understands public skepticism.

"I was so caught up in my own arrogance," he said. "Measure my actions — and just at least give me a shot. Everybody deserves a second chance."