Oh yeah, the day has finally come where the spotlight shines on New York Republican Rep. George Santos. He’s the lucky recipient of an investigation from the House Ethics Committee, a probe that could very well send his already struggling political career straight down the drain.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had a minor slip of the tongue and initially confirmed to CNN that Santos was under investigation by the committee. However, the Speaker later backtracked and claimed he only meant that there were ethics committee complaints about Santos.
But let’s be real here, even Republicans know that if the panel finds serious evidence of wrongdoing, it could lead to Santos’ expulsion from Congress. And despite McCarthy’s previous claim that Santos’ fate should be left to voters, he hinted that the outcome of the House ethics probe could change his stance on the issue.
“Ethics is moving through, and if ethics finds something, we’ll take action,” said McCarthy, ever so casually brushing off calls for Santos’ resignation. Although, he did mention that Santos was temporarily banned from serving on committees due to the questions that have arisen.
But Santos, being the defiant individual he is, has voluntarily stepped down from two House committees, even though McCarthy and his allies initially gave him those spots. Although, McCarthy did mention having “new questions” about Santos but refused to disclose what they were.
Santos, who is already facing a growing list of accusations, including fabricating his past and campaign finance issues, remains unfazed by the House ethics probe and the calls from his constituents to resign. In his own words, “I’m not concerned.”
When asked if the calls from his constituents to resign are a distraction to his work, Santos replied, “You’re saying that the freedom of speech of my constituents is a distraction to my work? Do you think people are a distraction to the work I’m doing here?”
Well, Santos, some of your fellow New York GOP freshmen would beg to differ. Rep. Marc Molinaro had this to say, “As I’ve said consistently, I think he ought to resign and really take stock of himself and start being honest, not only with the people he serves, but with himself.”
So, will Rep. George Santos be the latest casualty of the House Ethics Committee? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, his already beleaguered political career is in for a bumpy ride.
