Disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos is sending a bold message ahead of his upcoming prison stint: protect me, or face serious consequences. In a fiery new interview on TMZ Live, the controversial politician voiced deep concerns about his safety behind bars — claiming there’s a “big target” on his back and warning the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) that he won’t stay silent if anything goes wrong.
“Bad Hombres” Are Gunning for Me, Says Santos
Set to begin a 7-year sentence this summer after pleading guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud and identity theft, Santos says he’s bracing for the worst — and is demanding to be placed in solitary confinement for his own protection.
“There are a lot of bad hombres in prison,” Santos said, adding that inmates may target him over his sexuality and his highly publicized stint in Congress.
Despite the risks, Santos insists he’s not playing the victim card — instead, he wants to spark a larger conversation about prison reform and how inmates (even notorious ones like him) deserve humane treatment.
Ready to Sue if Things Go “Sideways”
Never one to shy away from legal threats, Santos made it clear he’s prepared to take legal action if he’s harmed in custody. He also hopes that his public support for prison guards — which he says is well-documented — might earn him some goodwill on the inside.
But he didn’t stop there. Santos also floated the possibility of enduring his sentence in complete isolation, a move he says could keep him alive — even if it means seven years of loneliness.
The Road to Prison: A Stunning Fall from Grace
Santos’ legal troubles made headlines for months, starting with an eye-popping 23-count indictment involving fraud, campaign finance violations, and theft of public funds. His decision to accept a plea deal reduced his sentence, but not his notoriety.
Once known as the openly gay Republican firebrand who shocked New York’s 3rd Congressional District with an upset win in 2022, Santos’ fall was swift and dramatic. His expulsion from Congress — following revelations that he had fabricated large parts of his biography — was one of the most humiliating moments in recent political history.
What Comes After Prison? Santos Hints at a Rebrand
Despite the looming sentence, Santos says his story isn’t over. In the TMZ Live interview, he hinted at a major life transformation after prison, suggesting that he’s planning a comeback of some kind — though he didn’t offer many details.
“You’re not going to recognize me after these seven years,” he said cryptically.
Whether that means a career in activism, a memoir, or another shot at political relevance, only time will tell.
