George Santos Thanks Trump for 'Second Chance at Life' After Prison Release

6:50 AM PT -- George Santos told CNN Sunday morning he learned about his sentence being commuted while still behind bars ... saying other inmates saw it on TV before he did. "The President was very kind," Santos said. "It was humbling to speak with a sitting President ... that's not something that happens where I come from."

Santos added he had "no expectations" of a commutation and only found out when fellow inmates called him over after seeing the news on a prison TV. "I'd just been released from 41 days in isolation for no valid reason," he said. "I was shocked when I found out. My family confirmed it after I called them."

When asked to address the outrage over his controversial commutation, Santos said Trump could pardon Jesus Christ himself and people would still be mad.

George Santos has broken his silence following his surprise release from federal prison ... thanking President Donald Trump for giving him what he calls "a true second chance at life."

In a lengthy post on X Saturday, the ex-Congressman said he was deeply moved by Trump's "kindness" and "generosity" after the President commuted his seven year sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

"Yesterday, I was given something I never thought I’d have again: a true second chance at life," Santos wrote. "First and foremost, I want to thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for never abandoning me... I also want to express my deepest gratitude to President Donald J. Trump."

Santos said he spoke personally with Trump earlier in the day ... a conversation he called unforgettable and praised the President for reminding him "no mistake, no hardship, and no fall from grace can take away the possibility of renewal."

Trump ordered Santos' immediate release Friday, calling his punishment "excessive" and saying the former lawmaker had been "horribly mistreated" while serving time at FCI Fairton in New Jersey.

"At least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!" Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday. "I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!"