Even with everything, On Tuesday, GEORGE SANTOS will be sworn into Congress.
Since The New York Times reported last month that he appeared to have made up large portions of his backstory, including his education, employment history, financial dealings, and even that some of his employees were killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting, the 34-year-old Republican who won the race to represent New York’s 3rd District has faced intense scrutiny. However, the Times report was only the beginning, and it has since become clear that Santos effectively lied his way into office. A congressional investigation has been called for by Democrats and even some Republicans.
Santos spent his first morning on Capitol Hill attempting to avoid the press and, when unable to do so, refusing to answer their questions.
Rep.-elect George Santos is on Capitol Hill. Here’s a video of him walking in the opposite direction of his office after he spotted media camped outside. pic.twitter.com/WZwOGRUC1p
— Jackie (@JacquelineKalil) January 3, 2023
He also allegedly got lost while looking for his office.
🚨Rep.-elect George Santos has arrived on Capitol Hill
He did not answer multiple questions, only telling me he will vote for Kevin McCarthy for speaker. pic.twitter.com/fiiFnHNxks
— Lalee Ibssa (@LaleeIbssa) January 3, 2023
The only question Santos did not answer was whether he planned to vote for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He agreed.
Santos has admitted to lying about parts of his background, including his education and employment history, but he insists he is “not a fraud” and intends to serve in Congress despite deceiving his constituents. However, it’s impossible to tell where Santos’ lies end and the truth begins. He also appears to have lied about his Jewish heritage, his grandparent’s survival of the Holocaust, and his mother’s death from 9/11-related illnesses.
There are no rules in place to keep Santos out of Congress, so it will be up to House Republicans to discipline him — which is unlikely given the changes that could be coming to the House Ethics Committee. Santos, on the other hand, is reportedly facing a federal criminal investigation into his questionable financial dealings, as well as an investigation by prosecutors in Long Island, where he was elected last November. According to the New York Times, prosecutors in Brazil are also reopening a fraud case against him.
Santos’ reputation in Congress has suffered as a result of the scandals. On Tuesday, he was seen sitting alone in the House chamber.
New Rep. George Santos (R-NY) is looking very lonely on the House floor ahead of the Speaker vote. pic.twitter.com/7kwXVDZaaB
— The Recount (@therecount) January 3, 2023
