It seems like it’s virtually impossible to keep US Representative George Santos out of controversy as the Republican leader’s political career took a major hit recently. The 35-year-old faces expulsion from Congress following a House Ethics Committee report that shocked everyone. According to the document, Santos had allegedly misused campaign funds and spent it on personal luxuries including services and products like OnlyFans and Botox. Let’s take a look at the controversy in detail.
Misuse of campaign funds by George Santos
The scathing report by the House Ethics Committee showed a pattern of bad financial behavior from Representative George Santos. According to the investigation, the Congressman used campaign contributions for a multitude of non-campaign-related expenses.
This includes extravagant trips to premium destinations within the United States, high-end shopping and subscriptions to adult content platforms like OnlyFans. Furthermore, the New York Representative had a poor credit score, used numerous credit cards and found himself in debt.
As a result, Santos allegedly ended up deviating funds from his political campaign for his own personal benefit. Here is a list of expenses made by the controversial politician using his campaign funds according to the report:
- Honeymoon trip to Las Vegas, Hamptons holiday stay with Airbnb and expenses at resorts in Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Spa services and cosmetic procedures (Botox) at Mirza Aesthetics and Virtual Skin Spa and unreported PayPal payment to an esthetician associated with a spa in Rhinebeck, New York
- Transferring $200,000 from the campaign committee to personal bank accounts
- Luxury purchases at Hermès and Ferragamo stores, shopping at Sephora and payments for OnlyFans subscriptions
- Expenditures on meals and parking and allocation for rent expenses
- Withdrawals from casino ATMs, personal ATM withdrawals near his apartment
Resolution to expel the Congressman
The committee’s report against George Santos led House Ethics Chairman Michael Guest to introduce a resolution to expel him from Congress. On the other hand, the Republican politician has denied all allegations and called it a biased and politically motivated smear campaign to tarnish his reputation.
House Ethics Chair Michael Guest (R-MS) has filed a resolution to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) from Congress, less than 24 hours after the panel published its damning report on the embattled lawmaker. pic.twitter.com/3corrENZgN
— The Recount (@therecount) November 17, 2023
Santos’ future in office remains highly uncertain since this isn’t the first time that he has faced controversy or legal issues. Previously, the US Representative was accused of fraud related to COVID-19 unemployment benefits as well as false financial reports. Despite overcoming these, Santos has now announced that he will not seek re-election.
Social media reactions
Political commentators had a field day on Twitter after the report on Santos’ misuse of campaign funds went public. The politician has a notoriously infamous image among citizens for fabricating a lot of information, both personal and professional. The report sparked a meme fest as many mocked the Congressman for his never-ending streak of controversies.
If you don’t have time to read the Ethics report on George Santos, here are the highlights in song.pic.twitter.com/Cn8YPUlJJh
— Jack E. Smith ⚖️ (@7Veritas4) November 17, 2023
You’re making fun of George Santos, a man whose mother died not once but twice or possibly even three times?? That’s low.
— Amy A (@lolennui) November 16, 2023
Furthermore, even Republican supporters called for George Santos’ exit from the party as they believe he has had enough chances to redeem himself. Party leaders like Mitt Romney voiced out openly against the New York Representative.
