Donald Trump has refused to rule out a possible pardon for disgraced former Congressman George Santos — and even hinted at the possibility — in a new interview with far-right network Newsmax.
During the segment, host Rob Finnerty asked Trump whether he would consider pardoning a number of high-profile figures, including convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing multiple allegations of rape and child abuse. Trump declined to give a definitive “no” in response to any of the suggestions.
“He Lied Like Hell”
When Finnerty brought up Santos — the openly gay former Republican Congressman who pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges last year — Trump appeared amused.
“He lied like hell, I have to tell you,” Trump said, laughing.
Santos admitted in August 2024 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a case that involved using campaign donors’ credit cards to fund Botox treatments, luxury fashion from Hermès, and adult web subscriptions.
Trump noted that he didn’t know Santos personally but acknowledged the congressman’s loyalty.
“And I didn’t know him, but he was 100% for Trump. I might have met him, maybe, maybe not, I don’t know,” Trump said.
“He was a congressman, and his vote was solid.”
While Trump emphasised that no one had formally asked him to pardon Santos, he didn’t dismiss the idea.
“Nobody has talked to me about it,” he continued, calling the seven-year sentence Santos received “a long time.”
“With him, I have the right to do it,” Trump added, referring to his presidential pardon powers.
A History of Deceit and Fraud
Santos was elected in 2022 to represent New York’s 3rd congressional district. But soon after taking office, The New York Times published an exposé revealing that much of his personal and professional history was fabricated — including his education, work experience, religious background, and even family heritage.
By late 2023, a scathing report from the House Ethics Committee found “substantial evidence” that Santos had misused campaign funds and defrauded donors. In December of that year, he was expelled from the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote.
Originally indicted on 23 counts — including identity theft, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements — Santos ultimately pleaded guilty to two charges, avoiding a trial that could have carried heavier penalties.
Earlier this year, Santos claimed that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson “blocked” his efforts to reach Trump for a potential pardon
