On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the United States House of Representatives' Ethics Committee issued a report laying out its findings on Rep. George Santos, a Republican from New York. The committee found he misused campaign funds for personal use, such as OnlyFans, Botox, and Sephora purchases. Santos responded, denying the claims but said he will not seek a second term.
Many are calling for Santos’ immediate resignation. He has already been stripped of his committee assignments and is facing federal charges of conspiracy, fraud, and more for alleged actions during his congressional campaign. Authorities believe he lied to the public to get his seat in the House.
Santos represents parts of Long Island and Queens in New York and is a member of the Republican Party. He posted a response to the committee’s findings on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the 'Ethics committee', they would have not released this biased report,” he began. “The Committee went to extraordinary lengths to smear myself and my legal team about me not being forthcoming (My legal bills suggest otherwise). It is a disgusting politicized smear that shows the depths of how low our federal government has sunk. Everyone who participated in this grave miscarriage of Justice should all be ashamed of themselves.”
Santos went on to announce his plans for the future. “I will remain steadfast in fighting for my rights and for defending my name in the face of adversity,” he continued. “I am humbled yet again and reminded that I am human and I have flaws, but I will not stand by as I am stoned by those who have flaws themselves. I will continue on my mission to serve my constituents up until I am allowed. I will however NOT be seeking re-election for a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time.”
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Santos concluded by doubling down on his right-wing ideology and plans to serve out his term. “Public service life was never a goal or a dream, but I stepped up to the occasion when I felt my country needed it most. I will 100% continue to maintain my commitment to my conservative values in my remaining time in Congress,” he concluded.
The report did not hold back. In addition to its findings that Santos used campaign funds for personal expenses, it also found he tried to use his power for personal profit. He allegedly stole for his campaign and lied to donors.
"Despite his attempts to blame others for much of the misconduct, Representative Santos was a knowing and active participant in the wrongdoing," the report reads. "Particularly troubling was Representative Santos' lack of candor during the investigation itself."
The federal felony trial is scheduled to take place in 2024. Santos has admitted to lying about his background to get elected but pleaded not guilty to the 23 charges against him. Two of his aides have pleaded guilty.
