Former New York Congressman George Santos sent a dramatic farewell message to his "darling" fans before reporting to prison Friday to begin a seven-year sentence for fraud.
The notorious Republican and former drag queen compared himself to a "glamorous" stage performer in a post reflecting on his short, tumultuous political career.
"Well, darlings… The curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed," he wrote on X. "From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news what a ride it’s been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried… most days."
Santos burst onto the scene after the 2022 midterm elections, when the openly gay Republican flipped a Democrat-leaning House district on Long Island.
A vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, Santos was often seen to embrace the spotlight, from the halls of Congress to the courthouse where he pled guilty last summer to identity theft and wire fraud.
His career in Washington quickly unraveled after he was exposed for making flagrantly false claims about his life. He ultimately served less than a full term, becoming one of six House members in history to be expelled after his fellow New York Republicans pushed for his removal.
Although widely reviled, Santos embraced his infamy as he turned his scandalous career into an operatic spectacle that the media couldn't turn away from.
He was charged with a litany of fraudulent schemes, from cheating donors to bilking unemployment benefits during the COVID pandemic. Within days of leaving Congress, the outrageous politician started selling personalized messages on the website Cameo.
In his farewell message, the congressman reflected that he was "honest" on "most days" and hinted that his story is not yet over.
"To my supporters: You made this wild political cabaret worth it. To my critics: Thanks for the free press. I may be leaving the stage (for now), but trust me legends never truly exit," he wrote, adding emojis of a star, an American flag, and a pair of lips. "Forever fabulously yours, George."
The Justice Department confirmed that Santos reported to a federal prison in New Jersey, the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fairton.
Santos has slammed his seven-year sentence as excessive and unjust, and he has urged President Trump to consider a pardon.
"I’ll take a commutation, clemency, whatever the president is willing to give me," Santos told Piers Morgan in May.
“President Trump, I’d appreciate if you can give me a consideration," he added.
